Cops: Man stole $75K in loot during burglary spree

Police have arrested a man in connection with a string of 19 residential burglaries and burglary attempts in Northeast Philadelphia that allegedly yielded $75,000 in loot over the past two months.

Police said Richard Bondarenko, 20, was taken into custody Thursday under an arrest warrant for a burglary that occurred March 8 on the 11000 block of Audobon Avenue in Somerton.

In that incident, the homeowner's alarm company shortly after 2 p.m. notified the resident that the back door was open. Police said the suspect made away with two laptops, multiple pieces of jewelry and $2,500 in cash.

Following his arrest, Bondarenko was taken to the Northeast Detectives Division, where he was also identified as the suspect in 18 additional burglaries and burglary attempts.

Police said all of the burglaries and attempted burglaries took place in Northeast Philadelphia between Feb. 7 and March 15. In each case, someone forced open one or more of the home's doors or windows and made away with electronics, jewelry and cash. Police said the suspect was unable to get inside the homes in five of the incidents.

The total value of items taken during the break-ins is estimated to be $74,595, according to investigators. In addition, police said that during one of the attempted burglaries, the victim's front door suffered $1,200 worth of damage.

Bondarenko was arraigned Saturday and charged with numerous counts of burglary, criminal trespassing and theft. He was jailed on 10 percent of $133,000 bail. Bondarenko is next due in court March 31 for a status hearing.