UPDATE: San Jose Man Charged In Brazen ATM Burglaries; Palo Alto Jewelry Store Smash-And-Grab
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- A 42-year-old man has been charged with 20 commercial burglaries in which he and several accomplices allegedly used a saw to break into and cart away entire cash-filled ATMs from the businesses.
Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said Charles Edward Hastings was being held without bail and would be arraigned on the charges during a Wednesday afternoon court hearing.
Hastings has been charged with burglarizing multiple stores and taking high-end items such as jewelry, guitars and bicycles. He also has been charged with committing multiple acts of felony vandalism in connection with the burglaries.
Investigators said the estimated value of items and money allegedly stolen by Hastings was $189,654. Another $65,200 in damages was caused to the businesses.
The crimes occurred in six different cities across Santa Clara County between October 31, 2021 and February 3, 2022.
"Property crimes can be as traumatic and destructive as violent crimes," Rosen said. "All residents of Santa Clara County – including those who victimize us – should know this: You will never be below our radar."
Prosecutors said that earlier this month Hasting and his unnamed accomplices allegedly forced entry into the American Legion Hall in Santa Clara, cut into an ATM with a cordless saw and stole $10,800 from the ATM and a donation box containing eyeglasses for veterans.
Hastings was identified and arrested following an investigation during which he was linked to the crimes via his consistent modus operandi -- the use of his vehicle at every burglary and surveillance footage.
Hours later, Palo Alto police announced that Hastings been charged in the smash and grab burglary of De Novo Fine Contemporary Jewelry at 250 University Avenue.
Investigators said that on Thursday, November 18 at about 12:53 a.m., the Palo Alto police 24-hour dispatch center received a call from a private security guard reporting a commercial burglary that had just occurred.
The guard heard a loud banging noise, and after going to investigate, discovered the front glass door of the business shattered.
The ensuing investigation revealed that Hastings was one of two suspects who entered the closed business, smashed display cases, and eventually stole more than $50,000 in jewelry. A third suspect drove the getaway car, a light blue minivan. The burglary was captured on video surveillance.
The follow-up investigation into the crime led to the identification of Hastings as the primary suspect; the other two suspects have not yet been identified.
