Crime & Safety

Update: Criminal Couple Admits to 19 Burglaries

Bensalem police arrested a man and woman burglary team for multiple burglaries in four Bucks County municipalities as well as Philadelphia.

 

Bensalem police Monday arrested a man/woman burglary team after they tried to break into a home on Bensalem Boulevard.

At about 11:30 a.m., police responded to the home after a resident called and reported someone was forcing their way into the home.

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Police apprehended Martin Fritsch, 34, and Catherine Antkowiak, 46, of Trenton, a short distance away. 

Detectives interviewed the pair who admitted to attempting entry into the Bensalem Boulevard home. They also admitted to committing an additional 19 burglaries throughout at least four municipalities in Bucks County and at least one in Philadelphia, police said.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The couple used Antkowiak’s vehicle, which had damage to its left side, for transportation to most of the burglary jobs.

Here’s how they worked:

Antkowiak would knock at doors to see if anyone was home and if there was no response at the door, Fritsch would typically gain entry into the house through an unlocked rear window or door. On some occasions, Fritsch would use force to make entry by smashing a window or prying a window or doorframe. 

According to police, the couple was primarily stealing jewelry, cash and small electronics.

Both were arraigned and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $750,000 bail.

Anyone with information are asked to contact Bensalem Detective Larry Leith or Detective Jack Gohl at 215-633-3719.


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