Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele, Upper Moreland Township Police Chief Andrew Block, Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy, Cheltenham Township Police Chief John Slavin and Rockledge Borough Police Chief John Gallagher announced today the arrest of Jamal Reid, 35, of Philadelphia, for 24 burglaries and robberies of businesses located in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, with a total loss amounting to nearly $300,000.

Between May 2021 and March 2022, businesses located in Abington, Bensalem, Cheltenham, Rockledge, Upper Moreland and Philadelphia suffered burglaries that ultimately were connected to the defendant after a multi-jurisdictional task force found that the burglaries and robberies had a common scheme. The burglaries generally targeted commercial establishments with skill machines in the overnight hours. Once inside, the burglars tried to open cash registers, break into skill or gaming machines, and open safes.

In two incidents, the burglars stole two vehicles, key fobs and other items at a car dealership. A multi-jurisdictional task force was established to investigate the burglaries. Led by the Upper Moreland Police, the task force also included police officers from Abington Township, Cheltenham Township, Rockledge Borough, Bensalem Township and Philadelphia. The task force’s investigation identified and connected Reid to the crimes using his DNA and fingerprint evidence, cellphone images and cellphone data that showed Reid’s phone at the burglary locations. Video surveillance also connected the defendant to the burglaries.

The estimated loss for all businesses, including damages to property and thefts, totaled $290,761.37. Among the stolen items were cash, including a safe containing $16,000; a BMW; a Mercedes; more than 50 vehicle keys; laptop, ATM machine, cash registers; skill machines; and cigarettes, cigars, CBD products and lottery tickets.

The 24 burglaries included: three separate burglaries at Seldon Motors, a Shell gas station and Seven Plu in Upper Moreland Township; a Dunkin’ Donuts, Chick-fil-A, Cottman Mart, H-Mart and Santander Bank in Cheltenham Township; Family Dollar Store in Abington Township; an A-Plus in Rockledge Township and multiple gas stations in Philadelphia, including Lukoil on Adams Avenue where the burglar brandished a firearm and forced an employee into a backroom.

Reid is charged with multiple felony counts of Robbery, Burglary, Conspiracy, Theft by Unlawful Taking and multiple misdemeanors, including Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Reid was arraigned on June 3,2023, by Magisterial District Judge Paul N. Leo, who set bail at $10,077 cash. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m., July 21, 2023.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Scott Frank Frame and Robert Waeltz.

Reid’s criminal complaint can be viewed here:

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Photo courtesy of Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office