Cops: Man Broke Into Vending Machines Across Nassau

A Hempstead man was arrested early Friday in connection with several thefts from vending machines across the county, according to Nassau County Police.

Cesar Cruz, 56, was charged after an investigation into thefts from vending machines that began in May, cops said.

At 11:15 p.m. Friday, police in the area were alerted to a theft from a vending machine in Eisenhower Park, cops said. Cruz was seen riding his bicycle later that night in Uniondale and was found to be in possession of cash stolen from the park’s damaged vending machine, police said. Cops took him into custody at 12:30 a.m. Friday.

Officials believe Cruz is responsible for multiple cases involving damaged vending machines where cash was stolen. More than $3,000 were stolen in those cases, police said.

A similar theft was reported in a Garden City school in June. Police did not say whether or not Cruz was charged in that incident.

Cruz was charged with six counts of third-degree burglary, fourth-degree grand larceny, nine counts of third-degree criminal mischief, fourth-degree criminal mischief, petit larceny, and possession of burglary tools. He will be arraigned Friday at First District Court in Hempstead.

Image: Cesar Cruz. Credit: NCPD