“Serial Burglar” Arrested for Multiple North Shore Home Break-Ins

By Ishan Shah

A serial burglar of homes on the North Shore has finally been arrested, according to Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly.

Arrested is Vincent Dougherty, age 64, of Ronkonkoma who has allegedly broken into multiple homes - over years - across the North Shore, despite homeowners often being present in their homes.

“He is a serial burglar – I mean since the 1970s,” stated District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “He is an alleged career criminal with burglaries spanning over decades… Thanks to the relentless investigative work of police and my prosecutors, we were able to link this defendant to these alleged crimes and hold him accountable.”

DA Donnelly asked all north shore homeowners who suffered break-ins to check their CCTV camera systems in their properties, to see if Dougherty might have been the man who appeared in their homes.

Dougherty faces seven charges related to burglary and attempted burglary, going back in 2021.

Dougherty broke into homes in Wenwood Drive, Brookville; Hickory Drive, Old Brookville; and Spring Court, Muttontown, between May and September 2021. He also attempted burglaries at two homes in Syosset, one in Glen Head, and one in Old Westbury.

Dougherty stole Designer Bags, Watches, and other luxury goods - items that were reported stolen by Dougherty’s targets.

The District Attorney’s Office says if Dougherty is found guilty, he will face up to 25 years to life in prison. He was arraigned on charges including second-degree burglary, a violent felony, and attempted burglary, also a violent felony. Bail was set at $1 million cash or $1 million bond.