Police: Homeless Man Broke Into Dozens of Cars

A homeless man was arrested on Sunday and charged in eight recent vehicle break-ins in the area, police said.

Keith Keene, 36, was arrested on a parole warrant after the victim of a theft on Aug. 13 on Patrician Lane in Medford recognized Keene on Station Road in North Bellport. The woman recognized Kenne from surveillance video of him breaking into a car, police said.

The woman called out for help and several residents helped detain Keene until police arrived at about 1:45 p.m. Sunday, police said.

Further investigations by Fifth Squad detectives revealed that Keene was responsible for dozens of car break-ins in which he would ride around on his bicycle looking for unlocked vehicles, police said. In July and August, police said Keene stole cash, wallets, pocketbooks, jewelry, gift cards and electronics left in the vehicles at the following locations:

• Matsunaye Drive in Medford
• Patrician Lane in Medford
• Meyer Lane in Medford
• Travis Road in East Patchogue
• Orchard Road in North Bellport
• Rustic Avenue in North Bellport
• South Village Drive in North Bellport
• Tarpon Avenue in North Bellport

The investigation is continuing and detectives believe Keene may be responsible for numerous additional break-ins, police said.

Keene was charged with two count of grand larceny and five counts of petty larceny. He was held overnight at the Fifth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Monday.

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