UPDATE: Description released of Flanders break-in suspects

While a string of several dozen vehicle break-ins have been reported in the Flanders and Riverside area over the past several months, three armed men allegedly went one step further last night and broke into an occupied home on Flanders Road, and tried breaking into another home.

According to Southampton Police, the suspects — who remain at large — entered the home “brandishing a box cutter, a silver handgun and a shotgun.”

All men were black, according to police. One of the suspects was described as about 6-foot-3, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt. The other two were “shorter in stature wearing black hoodies,” police said.

The men took over $1,000.

Police received a call about the break-in at 1:10 a.m. and received a second call at 1:12 a.m. stating that three men fitting a similar description tried breaking into an Albany Avenue home, but failed.

An extensive search of the area, with the aid of a Riverhead K-9 unit, was conducted.

According to Lt. Susan Ralph, detectives are still investigating the crimes. While last night’s break-ins came in the wake of a months-long string of car robberies, police are saying that there is no indication that the incidents are related, as no evidence is currently available connecting the crimes.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call Southampton Police at 728-5000, the detective division at 702-2233, or the crime tips hotline at 728-3454. Tips can also be left at [email protected]. All emails will be kept confidential, according to police.

The incident came one day after police arrested a Riverhead man for trespassing in Northampton.

Denzel Faines, 24, was arrested at around 9:30 a.m. Monday after he allegedly got into a Birch Court home without permission, police said. He was charged with misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespass and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation, officials said.

He was released from custody with a ticket for a future court date, police said.

Over the past three months, over 40 cars have also been “rifled through” in the area, according to Lt. Ralph. Residents have been warned to keep anything of value out of their cars.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 12:40 p.m. with additional information from police.