Staten Island Serial 'Ninja Burglar' Gets 22 Years In Prison
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The so-called "ninja burglar" was sentenced Friday to 22 years in prison.
Robert Costanzo, 46, admitted to roughly 150 break-ins that spanned a decade starting in 2005.
"The substantial prison sentence handed down today finally puts an end to a terrifying chapter for the residents of Grymes Hill, Emerson Hill, Todt Hill, Lighthouse Hill, Castleton Corners, Silver Lake, West Brighton and Grasmere," said Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. "Now, they can rest assured knowing that Mr. Costanzo is securely behind bars."
Authorities said Costanzo would wear all black clothing with his face covered during the break-ins, and that the incidents often involved a ladder that was used to gain access to a terrace or window.
Most of the crimes were across high-end Staten Island neighborhoods, but authorities said Costanzo is also linked to similar incidents in New Jersey, upstate New York and Connecticut.
Because of the statute of limitations, he was only charged in three break-ins.