City man charged in restaurant thefts

PHILADELPHIA A city man suspected of a December smash-and-grab burglary spree was arrested over the weekend on charges he stole cash from four Center City restaurants, police said Sunday.

Keith McClary, 56, was stopped by police Saturday on the 300 block of South 19th Street because they said he matched the description of the burglaries seen in surveillance videos.

Detectives raided McClary's home on the 700 block of South Martin Street and found a leather jacket believed to be the one the burglar wore, police said.

McClary was charged with burglary and related offenses. Bail information was not immediately available Sunday.

Police allege McClary broke into the Palm Tree Gourmet at 1940 Pine St. on Dec. 1; Omega Pizza at 2145 South St. on Dec. 7; Honey's Sit 'n Eat South at 2101 South St. on Dec. 8; and Gavin's Cafe at 2536 Pine St. on Dec. 9.

Surveillance videos from two of the break-ins show a burglar using bricks to break glass. After entering the businesses, he is seen removing cash from the registers before fleeing, police said.

In June 2000, McClary pleaded guilty to violating a restraining order and was placed on probation.