By JEFF LIPTON
The pair's hunch that the home's occupants were on vacation was correct, said detectives, who added that the residents had been away for a week. What Bimstein and Intravaia didn't count on, however, was detectives' closing in on them so quickly after following a trail of checks and credit cards that were stolen from the home.
The suspects, who are both 43 and live at 2396 Columbus Ave., were arrested near their home on Sept. 15, police said. They have been linked to break-ins at three businesses in Oceanside and two homes in Rockville Centre, all in August, according to Detective Lt. Karl Schoepp of the 1st Squad, who added that investigators are looking into whether the pair is responsible for other area break-ins.
Bimstein and Intravaia are accused of prying open a rear door of the home on Oceanside Road in Rockville Centre on Aug. 22, after observing that the package remained on the stoop, police said. They then stole "a significant amount of property" from the home, including checks and credit cards, Schoepp said.
The suspects then allegedly used the checks and credit cards to purchase items from area stores, according to Schoepp. They also used documents obtained during the burglary to open credit cards and make purchases, he added. "We followed the trail of credit cards and checks," said Schoepp. "It was some good investigative work from our detectives. They tracked down a significant amount of stolen items."
Detectives also linked the pair to a burglary at J&A Auto Repair on Merrick Road in Oceanside on Aug. 6, during which tools and an undisclosed amount of cash were stolen, Schoepp said. They are also accused of breaking into a nail salon on Merrick Road the following day, escaping with nail products, costume jewelry and cash.
On the night of Aug. 7, according to Schoepp, the pair broke into a Merrick Road thrift shop, stealing costume jewelry and cash. They are also charged with a burglary of an Atkins Road home in Rockville Centre on Aug. 23, during which they swiped tools and other assorted supplies.
Bimstein and Intravaia are also being tied to a burglary in Great Neck, police said.
Schoepp explained that 1st Squad detectives shared information with 4th Squad detectives to make the arrests. "Of course, we're reviewing all recent burglaries and trying to put it together to see if they are involved in other burglaries," he said, adding that the suspects used a tool to pry open the doors of the homes and businesses.
Bimstein and Intravaia were each charged with three counts of second-degree burglary and three counts of third-degree burglary. Bimstein was also charged with first-degree identity theft and two counts of second-degree identity theft, police said. They were both arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Sept. 17.
Schoepp said the incidents offered several lessons, the most important being that residents should secure their checks, credit cards and personal papers in their homes. If they go away for an extended period of time, they should make arrangements with a neighbor to bring in mail and packages, he said.
Comments about this story? JLipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.
