Former Handyman Charged in Lansdale Burglary

A former handyman at a residence on the 300 block of West Mount Vernon Street in Lansdale was arrested July 28 and charged with felony burglary and other offenses, police said.

Jason Burg, 29, of the 800 block of Girard Avenue, Upper Gwynedd, faces felony burglary, felony criminal trespassing, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property charges at an August 7 preliminary hearing.

On July 9, at 9:25 a.m., Lansdale Police responded to a burglary on the 300 block of West Mt. Vernon Street where a witness saw a man exit through the rear door of a vacationing neighbor's home, police said.

Police said the suspect left the house carrying a plastic change jar. 

The burglar was riding a yellow mountain bike, police said. The neighbor called 911, and for a short distance, followed in his car, police said. Police canvassed the area without locating the suspect, police said.

Six days later, on July 15, Lansdale Officer Joel Greco was patrolling the 200 block of South Broad Street when he saw a yellow mountain bike with a man matching the description of the suspect, police said.

The bike rider was identified as Burg, police said.
Further investigation revealed Burg was the former handyman at the vicitm's home and knew the layout of the home, as well as the homeowners' vehicles, police said. 

The witness identified Burg as the man he saw leaving the victim's home on July 9, police said.

An arrest warrant was served on Burg at his home on July 28.

He was arraigned before District Judge Christopher Cerski of Elkins Park, and bail was set at $15,000 cash, police said. Burg failed to post bail and was taken to Montgomery County prison. 

A preliminary hearing is set for 10 a.m. August 7 before Cerski.

This is Burg's first criminal offense in the state of Pennsylvania, according to records.