Man charged in 72 suburban burglaries

Police say they have their man and might be looking for another.

Thomas J. Crossley, 38, of Upper Darby, whom police named as a person of interest in a theft ring last month, was charged today in connection with 72 suburban burglaries and two additional armed robberies.

He was arraigned on the separate charges. Total bail was set at $750,000.

Crossley allegedly joined John Douglas Cartlidge Sr., 41, of Akron, Lancaster County, and his son, John Douglas Cartlidge Jr., 20, of Clifton Heights, in a crime spree to support their heroin habits.

Police say they think another individual might yet be charged.

"People have come forward with information to say another person is involved with other burglaries with Tom Crossley," said Robert Kirby, of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Between September and January, police said, Crossley and the two Cartlidges committed at least 72 burglaries: 22 in Bucks County, 15 in Chester County, 19 in Delaware County and 16 in Montgomery County. Police estimate that the value of items stolen exceeded $500,000.

Cartlidge Sr. pleaded guilty to all charges last week and is awaiting sentencing. His son has waived his preliminary hearing.

Police say the men knocked on the door and, if no one answered, broke in. At one house the owner allegedly invited Crossley inside to talk about hunting. Crossley even took Christmas gifts and then re-gifted the items - including Ugg boots and a Wii - to relatives, according to court documents.

Crossley also was charged with two armed robberies in Delaware County. In June 2006, he allegedly robbed a Sunoco service station in Essington at knifepoint, according to court documents. Crossley also was charged in a November 2007 robbery at a Sunoco in Norwood.

Crossley has been held at the Chester County Jail since December in connection with a burglary in Willistown Township. Police say all his charges will be consolidated in Delaware County.