Rockland police announced Tuesday that they have arrested a man suspected of breaking into a museum and stealing tools from a construction site earlier this summer.
Robert Kyle Grierson, 42, of Rockland, was arrested last Wednesday on multiple counts of theft, burglary and violating conditions of release.
Police said the arrest was the result of their investigation into two burglaries that occurred on June 30 and July 23. In those burglaries, property was stolen from the Sail, Power and Steam Museum in south Rockland and power tools were stolen from a construction site in the Jefferson Street area.
Rockland police say additional charges are expected to be filed later this week in connection with several other open burglary cases from this summer, including other thefts in which Grierson is a suspect.
So far in 2024, Rockland has seen an increase in break-ins and thefts of about 55 percent over 2023, with several cases involving thefts from unlocked vehicles, garages and outbuildings, police said.
In response to the increase in thefts, the Rockland Police Department is currently conducting a pilot project called “Connect and Protect.” The goal is to connect law enforcement with people in the community and educate them on how to protect themselves and their property.
Residents can contact the Rockland Police Department to schedule an appointment with an officer at their home or business to receive advice “on how community members can improve safety precautions at home or business and to discuss what trends or issues the Rockland Police Department is observing on a daily basis.”
