Bristol detectives identified and arrested a man they believe was responsible for numerous motor vehicle break-ins and thefts earlier this month. Beginning on March 5, residents in the neighborhood in the east end of State Street, between DeWolf Avenue and Ansonia Avenue, began reporting items taken from vehicles.

One of the items, a debit card, was later found to have been used at Cumberland Farms on Metacom Avenue. Bristol Police obtained video of the transaction, and along with information developed during the investigation, including information received from the public, detectives developed leads and ultimately a suspect.

The suspect, Richard Smith, age 21, of Fall River, was located and interviewed, and according to police, he admitted to the larcenies from vehicles in Bristol and also in another community. He was arrested at the station at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, and was charged with one count of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, three counts of Larceny under $1,500 from a Motor Vehicle, and three counts of Injury or Tampering with Vehicles.

Mr. Smith appeared before a bail commissioner and was held on $1,000 surety bail and transferred to the ACI. Bristol Police detectives are working with other law enforcement agencies, and further charges against Mr. Smith may be forthcoming.

Bristol Police issued a statement reminding all residents to lock their vehicles when they are unattended, even if the vehicle is parked in a driveway. They also encourage any resident who may have had items stolen from their vehicle over the last few weeks to contact Bristol Police to a file a report.