Andover Police Arrest Two From Lawrence For Car Break-Ins

ANDOVER, MA — Andover police arrested a Lawrence man and woman early Monday morning after a string of car break-ins in the Shawsheen Heights neighborhood. Anthony J. Matkivich, 29, and Natasha Diaz, 29, both of Lawrence, were charged with two counts each of breaking and entering a motor vehicle in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony. Police responded to Shawsheen Heights after a complaint from a resident about suspicious people in the area.

The arrests come after 10 reports of car break-in in the area in the past week. Police located Matkivich and Diaz and found that three, unlocked cars had been entered and rummaged through. The case remains under investigation. Matkivich and Diaz were scheduled to be arraigned in Lawrence District Court on Monday.

"I'd like to commend the resident who noticed these two individuals and reported them to an officer, as well as our patrol division for taking action to put a stop to these crimes," Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe said in a statement. "I also want to remind residents of the importance of securing their vehicles and removing any valuables from inside when parking their cars and leaving them unattended."