Delco man charged in burglary spree

A Delaware County man whom police named as a person of interest in a theft ring has been charged in connection with 72 suburban burglaries and two additional armed robberies.

Thomas J. Crossley, 38, of Drexel Hill, was arraigned today on the separate charges. Total bail was set at $750,000.

Crossley allegedly joined John Douglas Cartlidge Sr., 41, of Akron, Lancaster County, and his son, John Douglas Cartlidge Jr., 20, of Clifton Heights, in a crime spree to support their heroin habits.

Between September and January, police said, the three committed at least 72 burglaries: 22 in Bucks County, 15 in Chester County, 19 in Delaware County and 16 in Montgomery County. Police estimate that the value of items stolen exceeded $500,000.

Crossley also was charged with two armed robberies in Delaware County. In June 2006, he allegedly robbed a Sunoco service station in Essington at knifepoint, according to court documents. Crossley also was charged in a November 2007 robbery at a Sunoco in Norwood.

Contact staff writer Mari A. Schaefer at 610-892-9149 or mschaefer@phillynews.com.