EASTHAMPTON — Police have arrested a man alleged to be the suspect in a rash of motor vehicle break-ins in Easthampton and Hadley.
Christopher Kranz, 33, who does not have an address listed, was arrested Aug. 31 and is facing numerous charges of breaking and entering into a motor vehicle, larceny and being a common and notorious thief, according to the Easthampton Police Department.
At 11:02 a.m. Thursday, Easthampton police responded to a car break-in behind Snap Fitness on Union Street, and shortly afterward, officers responded to two similar reports at Easthampton High School, police posted on their Facebook page.
The Hadley Police Department has been investigating similar incidents involving six car break-ins over a two-week period where windows were smashed open and valuables, such as purses, were stolen.
Hadley Police Officer Jose Cabrera said Kranz is shown on surveillance videos for three of the break-ins.
“We believe he’s responsible for all six,” Cabrera said. The department is working on getting video surveillance for the other locations.
Cabrera said Kranz will also face three counts of attempted misuse of credit cards. He said Kranz used stolen credit cards at stores in Northampton, Easthampton and Holyoke.
“We got him on camera at three to four different stores,” said Cabrera, noting that the Northampton Police Department helped with the case.
On Aug. 31, Hadley police assisted Easthampton officers in identifying Kranz. His vehicle was stopped by Massachusetts State Police on southbound Interstate 91 and was arrested by Easthampton officers, police say.
Police said Kranz’s bail was set at $20,000 and he will be arraigned in Northampton District Court Friday.
Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.