The Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD) has arrested a man in conjunction with a December 2021 ATM theft from a Henny Penny Convenience Store as well as nine similar thefts throughout the state.

According to a press release issued by OSPD, officers arrested New Britain resident Jose A. Malave on Nov. 11 following an extensive investigation into the 2021 theft. Malave was held on a $500,000 court set bond and is expected to appear in court on Dec. 6, which, coincidentally, marks the one-year anniversary for the Old Saybrook theft as well as thefts in four other towns, including New London, Old Lyme, Centerbrook, and East Hartford.

Old Saybrook Police were called to the Henny Penny Convenience Store and Gas Station at 583 Boston Post Road on Dec. 6, 2021 following the theft of an ATM. According to police, Malave led a crew that smashed the store’s windows. They then tied a rope to the ATM inside and attached it to a stolen vehicle, and drove off. The maneuver resulted in significant damage to the store.

Malave was also tied to five additional ATM thefts between Dec. 1 and Dec. 5 in Mansfield, Coventry, Norwalk, West Haven, and East Haven. In each of the nine thefts, Malave was charged with possession of burglary tools. In the Old Saybrook, Mansfield, Norwalk, West Haven, Centerbrook, and East Hartford thefts, he was additionally charged with six counts of criminal mischief in the first degree, three counts of criminal mischief in the second degree, one count of criminal mischief in the third degree, one count of larceny in the first degree, one count of larceny in the second degree, four counts of larceny in the fourth degree, one count of larceny in the sixth degree, two counts of criminal attempt to commit larceny in the first degree, two counts of criminal attempt to commit larceny in the third degree, and 10 counts of burglary in the third degree.

“This is an example of good old fashion police work combined with the use of today’s technology,” OSPD Chief of Police Michael Spera said in a statement. “As a society we must not let criminals who invade our communities in an attempt to destroy the quality of life we enjoy get away, they must be brought to justice,” Spera added.

According to the OSPD, the investigation remains active and more arrests are expected.