Police arrested two Philadelphia men for allegedly burglarizing cars and running a fencing operation.
Ryan Shantz, 30, of Pearson Avenue and Michael Mager, 31, of Jackson Street are both charged with 61 counts of theft from vehicle.
Police investigated the two men for the past three months. Investigators say that the duo broke into and burglarized dozens of cars, often at the Parx Casino and apartment complexes in Bensalem.
“After multiple surveillance videos of these guys and following them our goal was to find out where they were selling the stuff to,” said Detective Jack Logan of the Philadelphia Police.
The investigation led police to a “Cash for Gold” business on Tooresdale Avenue. Employees at the store say they had no idea about the fencing operation.
“They would go out every single night like clockwork between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.,” said Detective Logan. “They would go down to the store at 10 a.m. and unload all the goods from the night before.”
Police executed search warrants at the store and recovered over $100,000 worth of stolen items.
All of the items recovered from the cars and fencing operation are on display at the Tow Squad on 4928 MacAlester Street. The displayed items include power tools, laptops, X Box 360s and an autographed Joe Namath jersey.
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Those looking to reclaim stolen items must bring a copy of their police report or another proof of ownership.
Major Crimes Auto Squad will display the items on Friday evening until 8 p.m., Saturday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Monday between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
