Arrest Made After Reports Of Cooking Oil Thefts In Ramapo

RAMAPO, NY — A Queens resident accused of stealing used cooking oil from a number of restaurants and businesses in Ramapo was arrested early this week at a business in Monsey.

Ramapo police said they had received reports over the past several weekends, and had identified a vehicle believed to have been connected to the thefts, as well as a pattern of activity.

Detectives conducting surveillance saw the car enter Ramapo and followed it to a business in Monsey where, they said, the suspect began emptying an oil container.

They arrested him without incident. The man, 49, who was not identified, was charged with petty larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and possession of burglars tools.

Because he was also in possession of heroin, police alleged, he was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The vehicle and equipment were impounded as evidence. He was released from custody pending a future court appearance.