Police: Camera registry program helped identify break-in suspect

By DANIEL KITTREDGE
Posted 10/16/19

By DANIEL KITTREDGE A man with a lengthy criminal history broke into a local house while a girl was home alone on Oct. 9, according to Cranston Police - and a security camera registry program used by law enforcement is being credited for his

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Police: Camera registry program helped identify break-in suspect

Posted

A man with a lengthy criminal history broke into a local house while a girl was home alone on Oct. 9, according to Cranston Police – and a security camera registry program used by law enforcement is being credited for his identification and arrest.

John J. Sarandrea, 50, of 28 Alto St., Cranston, is charged with breaking and entering of a dwelling when a resident is on premises. He entered no plea during his arraignment on Oct. 10, according to court records, and was ordered held pending a parole violation hearing on Oct. 24.

According to a statement from Cranston Police Maj. Todd Patalano, officers responded to a report of a break-in in progress at a Greene Avenue home at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 9.

The girl was able to exit the house and get to a safe location while the intruder went through the home, the statement reads. The intruder had taken several items from the home and fled by the time officers arrived.

Patalano’s statement indicates that police were “able to analyze and retrieve valuable footage from area surveillance cameras,” which allowed for the identification of a black Ford Escape used by the suspect. That, in turn, led to Sarandrea’s identification and arrest.

“Several items were recovered from the break, however detectives are continuing the investigation to recover other personal items to include identifiable jewelry,” the statement reads. Anyone who had contact with Sarandrea on Oct. 9 or Oct. 10, or who may have additional information, is asked to contact Cranston detectives at 942-2111.

Patalano’s statement indicates that Sarandrea has a “long criminal history” that includes arrests in other communities on charges of breaking and entering.

Following the incident, police are urging members of the community to take part in the department’s camera registry program.

“Today, surveillance cameras are playing a vital role in assisting law enforcement, and the cooperation with the community in sharing their footage with us has been critical in many cases, to include this case, by making identifications and providing key evidence in the prosecution of criminal activity,” Patalano said. “The assistance provided by the community continues to be a great partnership and we urge everyone to continue to enroll in our camera registry online.”

Patalano’s statement indicates the registry program is “completely voluntary.”

“The Cranston Police Department will only access camera footage after an incident has occurred and only with the permission of the camera owner,” the statement reads. “The police will not be able to access the camera remotely or in real time. Camera owners may leave the registry at any time.”

Registration for the program may be completed on the department’s website, cranstonpoliceri.com.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here