New Bedford Electrician’s Stolen Tools and Wire Recovered After Church Street Break-In

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — A New Bedford man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into two work vehicles and stealing tools and electrical wire.

Stolen Power Tools and 2,600 Feet of Wire Reported

According to New Bedford Police, officers responded on Thursday, October 22 to MC Electric on Church Street for a reported breaking and entering into two work vehicles. Officers arrived and spoke with the owner, who reported power tools, batteries, accessories, and 2,600 feet of electrical wire among the items stolen.

The investigation led officers to the sidewalk in front of Muffler & Brake on Church Street, where some of the stolen items had been located. Officers also learned a man, later located and identified as Edward Bernardo, 45, had inquired about it.

Get our free mobile app

Surveillance Footage Leads Detectives to Backyard Shed

Two days later, detectives obtained surveillance footage that allegedly showed Bernardo pushing a shopping cart onto the property where he lives and entering a backyard shed. Detectives then searched the shed and found a large amount of Milwaukee tools and electrical wire that matched the stolen items. They were then returned to their owner.

Bernardo was arrested and charged with two counts of breaking and entering into a motor vehicle at night, and larceny over $1,200.

Previous Arrest History in New Bedford

According to WBSM archives, he was previously arrested in 2018 and charged with possession of pills after he allegedly was blocking traffic at the Walgreens on Acushnet Avenue while in possession of 19 Xanax tablets.