Serial ATM Suspect Charged In Palo Alto Jewelry Store Burglary

PALO ALTO, CA — A man charged this week in connection with 20 commercial burglaries around Santa Clara County also stole more than $50,000 in jewelry from a Palo Alto jewelry store last November, according to the Palo Alto Police Department.

Charles Edward Hastings, 42, of San Jose, was suspected in 20 commercial burglaries, in which he and accomplices often used a saw to break into businesses and cart away entire cash-filled automatic teller machines, or ATMs, according to a news release from Deputy District Attorney Gabriella Jarvis.

Related: Man Charged In Multiple Thefts Of Entire ATMs In Santa Clara Co.

Hastings has also been charged with committing multiple acts of felony vandalism in connection with the burglaries, which were committed in six different cities across the county.

In Palo Alto, Hastings was accused of being one of three suspects involved in a burglary at De Novo Fine Contemporary Jewelry at 250 University Ave. last November. Hastings and another suspect entered the store shortly before 1 a.m., smashed display cases and made away with $50,000 in jewelry, according to police.

The other two suspects have not yet been identified and Hastings is not suspected of additional crimes in Palo Alto.

Authorities estimate the value of items and money taken by Hastings is $189,654 and that the cost to repair the damage inflicted by Hastings is $65,200.