Suspects Stole Snowblower But Didn't Cover Their Tracks

SMITHFIELD, RI—Police investigated two separate equipment thefts which happened overnight into Valentine's Day, in the Putnam Pike section of Greenville.

Residents reported a snow blower and lawnmower had been stolen from their yards, police said.

"Detectives processed the crime scenes and followed shoe impressions and snow blower track marks left in the snow to a nearby area on Sprague Street," where they knew a possible suspect, police said. They conducted surveillance and allege they saw Kenneth White, 48, of Smithfield, wheel the stolen snow blower into the driveway and load it into a minivan, which had arrived. The van was operated by Ronald Borden, 46, of Cumberland.

Police moved in and arrested them.

White was charged with two counts of Receiving Stolen Goods and one count of Conspiracy. He was arraigned in Kent County District Court and is being without bail until Feb. 28, when he is due back in court for a pre-trial conference.

Borden was charged with one count of Receiving Stolen Goods and one count of Conspiracy. Per Bail Commissioner George Lazeieh, Borden was released on $1,000 surety bail. He will be arraigned on Feb. 28 in Kent County District Court.