Police: Brothers Robbed a Dozen Businesses in Macungie and Lower Mac

Dry cleaners and strip malls seemed to be the biggest attraction for brothers George Washington, 28, and Angel Miguel Vargas, 30, who lived at 318 N. Second St., Allentown.

At least they were in the Macungie and Lower Macungie areas.

And dry cleaning stores in strip malls were even more attractive to the the two, The charges were announced July 6 by Lehigh County District Attorney James B. Martin.

Macungie and Lower Macungie were allegedly among their favorite haunts as illustrated by the arrest affidavit filed in the case with District Judge David Howells.

One or both of the brothers allegedly visited businesses in the borough and township on at least 12 occasions:

* , 167 W. Main St.

When: 4:47 a.m. Sept. 5, 2010.

Total allegedly stolen: $220.

Total damaged: $200.

Affidavit says entry was the front door which was pried open.

* 171 W. Main St.

When: 4:57 a.m. Sept. 5, 2010.

Total damage: $600.

Police say front door was pried open but nothing was stolen. Surveillance video showed two men -- one heavy, one slim -- both in ski masks, prying open door with a large yellow pry bar.

* Three Men and a Bagel, 7150 Hamilton Blvd.

When: Between 10:20 p.m. Oct. 16 and 4:28 a.m. Oct. 17, 2010.

Total allegedly stolen: $540.

Total damage: $455.

* Prestige Cleaners, 7150 Hamilton Blvd.

When: Between 10:20 p.m. Oct. 16 and 4:28 a.m. Oct. 17, 2010.

Total allegedly stolen: $800.

Total damage: $1,300.

* Discount Pet Supply, 7150 Hamilton Blvd.

When: Between 10:20 p.m. Oct. 16 and 4:28 a.m. Oct. 17, 2010.

Total allegedly stolen: $1,358.99.

Total damage: $555.

* Eby-Brown Transportation, 3096 Route 100.

When: 2:10-2:25 a.m. Oct. 19, 2010.

Total allegedly stolen: $2,400.

Reports say two cases of cigarettes were removed.

* , 5591 Hamilton Blvd.

When: 11:10-11:15 p.m. Nov. 7, 2010.

Police say attempts were made to force open the side window.

* , 6366 Hamilton Blvd.

When: 3:27 a.m. Nov. 30, 2010.

Total damage: $500.

Police say the glass of the front door was smashed, but the owner was inside and saw a person in a gray jogging suit who fled without coming into the store.

* JC Cleaners, 8862 Krocks Road

When: 4:25 a.m. Dec. 26, 2010

Total allegedly stolen: $40.

Total damage: $400.

Police say entry gained by smashing front door glass.

* Under the Mulberry Tree, 5661 Hamilton Blvd.

When: Between 2:35 a.m. and 2:50 a.m. Jan. 9, 2010.

Total damage: $600

Police say an attempt was made to pry open the front door, but no entry was made.

* , 5661 Hamilton Blvd.

When: 2:43 a.m. Jan. 9, 2010.

Total allegedly stolen: $300.

Total damage: $1,000.

Police say the front door was smashed.

* , 5681 Hamilton Blvd.

When: 11:46 p.m. April 2, 2010.

Total damage: $20.

Police say an attempt was made to pry open a side door but an alarm went off.

The district attorney's office said the cases in the five counties (Lehigh, Northampton, Schuylkill, Berks and Luzerne) are being consolidated.

In all, Washington has been charged with 108 counts of burglary, 93 counts of criminal conspiracy to commit burglary, 16 counts of attempted burglary, and multiple counts of theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, and conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Vargas has been charged with 93 counts of burglary, 93 counts of criminal conspiracy to commit burglary, nine counts of attempted burglary, and multiple counts of theft, receiving stolen property, criminal mischief, and conspiracy to commit theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.