Police nabbed a man they say is a serial skylight break-in artist who looted three Flatbush businesses and a church.
Darral Baskerville, a spry 55-year-old, was arrested for burglary on April 10 after surveillance footage and DNA evidence linked him to the five crimes — all of which occurred within two blocks of Flatbush and Snyder avenues.
Police say Baskerville broke into Emmanuel Pentecostal Church twice, stealing computer equipment and cleaning supplies, before hitting a Stride Rite Shoe Store, New Richie Nail Salon, and the Get Set clothing store in a spree that lasted from February to April.
Baskerville’s methodology was simple, say police: he would break through the skylight and use a rope to rappel into the store before making off with whatever goods or cash he could scoop up.
Victimized merchants said that Baskerville was smart enough to cover up his face when he searched for valuables.
“We couldn’t see his face — but police came and looked at our camera anyway,” said a worker at the Get Set store on Flatbush Avenue.
Police said they are investigating whether Baskerville is responsible for any more crimes in the area.
Attempts to reach Baskerville’s attorney were unsuccessful by Thursday evening.
Reach reporter Eli Rosenberg at erosenberg@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-2531. And follow him at twitter.com/emrosenberg.
