Plumbing, Electric Parts Removed from Cortlandt Home; Local Pair Arrested

From the Westchester County Police

A Westchester County police officer on patrol in Cortlandt arrested two people on burglary chargesTuesday after he observed suspicious activity at a house on Furnace Dock Road and stopped to investigate.

Police Officer Matthew Wirth was on patrol about noon on Tuesday when he observed a vehicle parked in front of a vacant home. Based on his familiarity with the property as a result of regular patrols in the neighborhood, Wirth was aware that the wire fencing around the property had been altered and that some plywood used to secure the front door had been removed.

After stopping to investigate, Wirth observed several sections of a baseboard heating system protruding from the vehicle along with wiring and other components. He detained the two people found at the scene and entered the home after additional county police officers arrived. Wirth discovered that various plumbing and electrical parts had been removed from inside the house.

One of the suspects claimed she had permission from the owner to remove various items to sell for scrap. County police were able to locate the property owner, who reported that he had not given anyone permission to enter the house or remove anything from it.

Gina Shipman, 36, of Riverview Avenue, Verplanck, and James Simmons, 49, of Albany Post Road, Cortlandt Manor, were each charged with Burglary 3rd Degree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th Degree and Grand Larceny 4th Degree, felonies; and Degree, felonies; and Possession of Burglar Tools and Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, misdemeanors.

They were arraigned in Cortlandt Town Court.