Serial burglar arrested in west chester after months-long investigation

WEST CHESTER, PA — A 27-year-old Brookhaven man has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of burglaries across the West Chester area, including the theft of a police officer’s body armor and badge, authorities announced.

Lawrence Dass faces five counts of burglary and related charges following his arrest on January 14. Magisterial District Judge Marian Vito set bail at $50,000, and Dass is currently being held at Chester County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 21.

The investigation, which began in August 2024, used video surveillance, fingerprint evidence, and DNA to identify Dass as the suspect in multiple burglaries in the area. Among the incidents linked to him was the theft of body armor and a badge from a West Chester Police patrol car.

West Chester Borough Police Chief Joshua Lee emphasized that detectives are still working to determine if Dass is connected to additional burglaries. The investigation involved cooperation from numerous law enforcement agencies, including Chester County Detectives and police departments from surrounding areas.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the West Chester Borough Police Department at (610) 696-2700.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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