Police Arrest Two in Laundry Machine Coin Thefts

Police have arrested two people suspected of breaking into laundry rooms of several Lakewood apartment buildings, and stealing the coins. 

Paul Flynn, 32, and Erin Hastwell, 30, both with no fixed address, were arrested and charged with several counts of burglary.

The thefts stretch back about three months.

Police call logs during that time reflect the same modus operandi: the thieves targeted an apartment and busted a laundry machine, stealing the money inside.

The incidents took place mostly on the east end of Clifton Boulevard and Lake Avenue, but there were also incidents near Hilliard Road and Madison Avenue.

“They entered apartment buildings and broke into the machines for the coins to feed their heroin addictions,” said Lakewood Police Chief Timothy Malley. 

He said with the arrests, detectives were able to close the case on about 18 similar incidents.

“While we think this should abate these crimes, which we don’t see much of, people should always be aware of people in their buildings that don’t belong and call (police) if they are suspicious of anyone,” Malley added.