Suspect Charged in Binghamton Garage Break-Ins

A smashed window in a car parked in a downtown Binghamton garage. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Police have arrested a man in connection with a series of "smash-and-grab" thefts from vehicles in downtown Binghamton parking ramps.

Authorities say 25-year-old Ronald Dickson III of Binghamton has been charged with third-degree and fourth-degree grand larceny.

Investigators say Dickson was arrested on Tuesday. Some property reported stolen from vehicles has been recovered.

In recent weeks, vehicles parked in the city-owned State Street and Water Street garages were targeted.

According to detectives, Dickson said that if vehicles were locked, he would use a spark plug to smash a window.

Police Chief Joseph Zikuski said although items were stolen from some locked vehicles, many of the vehicles entered were unlocked. He said people should roll windows up and be sure to lock vehicles.

Zikuski also advised vehicle owners not to leave valuable items where they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

A Binghamton police officer on patrol in a downtown garage. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.