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★ A-2 PFTHE STAR: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986PolicearrestBy PETE REYNOLDSPart of a burglary team suspected of invading up to 70 area businesses under the direction of a “charismatic charmer” waited in Matteson police custody last week for a series of interrogations.Police officers from several jurisdictions — including New Lenox. Mo-kena, Crest Hill. Frankfort, Joliet. Will county, Country Club Hills, Or-land Park. Richton Park, Tinley Park. Hazel Crest and Monee — expected to question the suspects, police said.The men were arrested early Friday near Crest Hill by teams of police officers from Matteson. Orland Park and Country Cub Hills, authorities said.THE ARRESTS follow nearly three weeks of intensive surveillance conducted by members of several police departments, including Richton Park. Will county sheriff s police. Orland Park. Country Club Hills and the state police division of criminal investigation (DCI), police said.The suspects face at least one count of commercial burglary and could be charged with dozens of other break-ins, police said.Matteson police spokesman Det. Sgt. Lawrence Miller described Ronald J. DiLorenzo, 27, of 1908 Heatherway in New Lenox, as the “charismatic” ringleader of a burglary crew that may consist of as many as eight members. At least five other persons are being sought for questioning, Miller said.inburglaryringinvestigation“DiLorenzo and at least two members of his gang have already admitted responsibility for the October 24 break-in at Matteson Discount Records. 4318 West 211th street,” Miller said.“THEY’RE ALL cooperating with our investigation.” he added In that burglary, burglars tunneled through a wall in a vacant store adjacent to the record shop and removed a safe containing approximately $3,262 in cash and checks. A second attempt came about two weeks later, but a newly installed burglar alarm apparently frightened away the intruders, police said Also charged with burglary is Craig E. Sibley. 17, of 1525 Andrea drive. He appeared at a bond hearing Friday in the Sixth district Circuitcourt, Markham A cash bond of $10,000 was set, police said. Sibley already had been questioned and charged Tuesday with a break-in at a restaurant in Country Club Hills.DiLorenzo also admitted he was invovled in that burglary as well as another break-in at a pizza parlor on Pulaski road in the city, police saidDARREN J. Loda, 23. of 1705 Nelson court, is the third suspect. Loda. an electrical worker at Commonwealth Edison company’s Dresden nuclear power station near Morris, was identified as a lookout and driver of the getaway car. police said.“DiLorenzo is a charismatic charmer,” Miller said after interviewing the suspect most of the night.Miller said DiLorenzo allegedly ran the burglary crew almost like amilitary operation.“He used his intelligence and skill at motivation to inspire those around him. He’d really pump them up with pep talks on teamwork and professionalism,” Miller said.POLICE GOT to know DiLorenzo’s habits and mode of operation before they really knew who he was, Miller said. “His work patterns and his style was unmistakable.DiLorenzo was fond of “hitting doors adjacent to darkened fields, Miller said “Once inside strip shopping centers, if he felt like it, he’d break through drywall to gain entry to neighboring stores. His pry marks were very recognizable,” Miller said.“He’d leave the same marks on every door and when there were bootprints left behind, they were always the same distinctive pattern — a hiking boot with a very (unusual) tread.”MILLER praised DCI, saying the state agency’s assistance was “invaluable.” He called the investigation an example of “excellent cooperation between police agencies.Surprisingly, the monetary take in the approximately 70 break-ins was fairly low, Miller said. “I don’t think it will end up being more than $20,000 total and it could even be a lot less.”Late Friday Miller reported at least 40 burglaries were cleared after police interviewed DiLorenzo. “By his own admission he’s responsible for at least 70, he added.(Also contributing to this story were reporters Jim Andrews and Tom Tozer.)
Newspaper Details
Park Forest Star
Park Forest, Illinois, US
Thu, Nov 27, 1986
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Poplar C.
IL, USA 28 Dec 2022
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