Arrest made in smash and grab larcenies

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - A smash and grab suspect caught in the act is now behind bars.

Chesapeake Police have responded to dozens of vehicle larcenies at fitness and recreational centers in the Greenbrier area of the city since February. In most of the cases, the suspect smashed a vehicle window and grabbed valuable items seen in plain view. Investigators say in other cases the suspect entered unlocked vehicles and removed the items.

On September 11 at 5:30 p.m., officers canvassing the parking lot of the YMCA in the 1000 block of Greenbrier Pkwy spotted a vehicle featured in a Crime Line video in July enter the lot. The driver stopped in front a parked vehicle, approached the vehicle, smashed out a window and removed a purse from the front seat.

The suspect quickly returned to his vehicle and left the parking lot.

Officers followed the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, where they took Richard E. Burden, 45, of Norfolk, into custody.

Burden was charged with damaged property, possession of burglarious tools, grand larceny and driving on a suspended operator's license.

Investigators say additional charges against Burden are pending.