Arrest in West Hills pipe theft

A 23-year-old homeless man was arrested yesterday in West Hills, police said, in connection with several copper thefts in the Huntington area.

Police received a call about a man who entered a vacant home on Galway Place, West Hills. Second Precinct Police Officers Robert Musial and Anthony Iadevaio said they found Wayne Ivines leaving the home. Outside, they said, they found numerous pieces of cut copper pipes from inside the house.

Ivines was arrested and charged with third degree burlgary. After further investigation police added another burglary charge and a grand larceny charge. Police said Ivines stole copper pipes from another vacant home in July as well as plumbing supplies from a storage yard on Laurel Avenue in Northport in December.

Armed burglary in Melville

Four males, one armed with a rifle, broke into a Melville home and stole cash early this morning, Suffolk County Police said.

The four males forced open a sliding glass door at 1:30 a.m. on Tuckahoe Court, according to police, who said that once inside, the four confronted a male and female resident and demanded cash. They fled after receiving $300.

The suspects, believed to be in their 20s, wore dark clothing and their faces were covered with masks and hats. A dark colored vehicle, possibly a Honda CRX, was seen driving away from the area.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS or Second Squad detectives at 631-854-8252.