‘Sophisticated burglary crew’ arrested in Phoenix after lengthy investigation

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Phoenix police say they busted a “sophisticated burglary crew” accused of targeting at least eight Family Dollar stores and one KFC across the Valley.

Officers say Alexei Alvarez and Yosvanys Martinez started the “highly organized” operation in February.

Court documents detailed the methods the group used were at a level of planning that suggests they were operating as a professional criminal enterprise.

“These guys have a degree of sophistication that you know I’m surprised that they got caught,” said Former Valley Police Chief Stan Kephart, who has no direct connection to the investigation.

Police say Alvarez and Martinez typically begin the burglary by surveying the area and waiting for the stores to close. The pair allegedly impersonated police officers or security personnel to clear the scene.

Alvarez and Martinez are accused of strategically cutting the power supply and using tools to get into stores through the back entrance. Once inside, detectives say the duo would disable the alarm systems and cut open the store’s safe or just completely take it.

After receiving a tip a couple of weeks ago, officers started following the men and learned of their identities.

The day before Alvarez and Martinez were arrested, officers say they saw them throw a safe into the river near Phoenix Raceway. The next day, a dive team got the safe out of the water, which was confirmed to be a safe that had been taken from a Family Dollar during a previous burglary.

Both Alvarez and Martinez were charged with several counts of third-degree burglary and were each given a $30,000 bond.

Between thefts and damages, the pair are accused of causing nearly $400,000 of damage to the stores.

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