YORK COUNTY, Pa. — A York County duo has been charged with a string of home and business robberies in York County.
Justin Ritz, 20, and Joseph Steffes Jr., 20, have been charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property, according to the Lower Windsor Township Police Department.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on April 10 at 12:30 a.m., Ritz and Steffes entered the property of Bowles Auto Sales. Steffes allegedly acted as a lookout as Ritz entered several cars in the parking lot.
A key to the business's front door was inside one of the cars, which was stolen and used by the pair, according to police. Ritz and Steffes were reportedly able to steal cash, coins, car keys and a Sony Play Station 5 from the business. The property was also reportedly damaged.
The estimation of stolen property was around $5,000, according to police.
Ritz allegedly went back out to the car lot and stole a GMC Yukan SUV, which the pair allegedly drove around in before bringing it back to Bowles Auto. The stolen car keys were recovered inside.
On April 10 at 1:02 p.m., officers responded to a home along the 2400 block of Craley Road for a report of damage to a door screen. According to the homeowner, the screen was pried away but no one entered the home.
Later that evening, the homeowner contacted police to let them that the suspects had been captured on her doorbell camera.
According to the affidavit, officers could identify two individuals, one trying to open the door and the other acting as a lookout. The individuals were later identified as Ritz and Steffes.
An investigation revealed that Ritz and Steffes allegedly went to several homes in the area of the 2400, 2500 and 2600 blocks of Craley Road to commit burglaries. Ritz reportedly was breaking into the homes while Steffes acted as a lookout.
Steffes was arrested and allegedly admitted to officers that he was present at the burglaries and acted as a lookout for Ritz. Ritz was also arrested and has been confined to York County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.
