Police: Wellesley man linked to nearly 24 car, home break-ins

WELLESLEY, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Wellesley man is behind bars after police said he could be linked to nearly two dozen car and home break-ins.

Police arrested Joseph Ecker Tuesday after searching his Wellesley home and recovering some stolen property, according to investigators. Detectives said in at least three cases, Ecker found house keys in unlocked cars and would let himself into homes, often while unknowing victims were asleep inside.

"Because it is such a wonderful community, people feel very safe and oftentimes will inadvertently leave their car doors unlocked, or their homes unlocked, and make themselves more attractive candidates for crimes," said Lt. Marie Cleary with Wellesley Police.

Wellesley resident Abby Petz said that was the case with her family, when Ecker allegedly broke into her home on April 15.

"Previous to this, we did not lock our doors, I would leave my keys in the car," Petz said. "We were naive. We just did not take really simple precautions."

Petz said Ecker stole a Prada handbag and money from her husband's wallet. She worried she would never get the items back, until police made a break in the case Monday after Ecker was allegedly captured on a home surveillance camera. Police said a camera in a kitchen was rolling early Monday morning when Ecker allegedly entered another home in Wellesley and rummaged through a briefcase in the kitchen.

"Having the video was very helpful," said Lt. Cleary. "One of our detectives was familiar with the suspect and recognized him."

Lt. Clearly said the detective then went to Ecker's Facebook page and found photos of him wearing the same shirt he wore during the alleged burglary.

According to court records, police also noted Ecker had posted about the break-in at the Petz home, saying "Who wants a new purse, super expensive. Hit me on the low low."

Ecker was charged with three criminal counts but police said more charges are pending as they work to link him to other break-ins.

Cox Media Group