Daytime burglary ring busted in Berks and Montgomery Counties

NORRISTOWN, Pa. - February 1, 2013 (WPVI) -- Three men are behind bars, charged with nearly two dozen daytime burglaries in Berks and Montgomery Counties.

Philip Becker, Michael Benner and Joseph Samsel were arraigned Thursday.

They have been charged with multiple counts of burglary, criminal trespass, receiving stolen property and related offenses.

Prosecutors say the three men worked together to burglarize 21 homes in Berks and western Montgomery Counties between July 2012 and January 2013.

Investigators say the men forced their way into homes that were set back off main roads and not easily visible to passersby. Jewelry was the main target. The men also allegedly stole guns, change jars and electronic equipment including laptop computers, video game systems and a digital camera.

Prosecutors say the stolen items are valued at more than $117,000.

All three were arraigned Thursday. Bail for Benner and Samsel was set at 10 percent of $50,000 each. Becker's bail was set at 10 percent of $10,000.

A preliminary hearing is set for February 5th.

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pennsylvania, burglary, montgomery county, berks county, local/state

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