NORWICH – The Norwich City Police have arrested Kevin J. Begeal, 21, in connection with tthe spree of burglaries which took place late last week nd over the weekend. The arrest is the result of combined efforts of the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department, Norwich City Police, New York State Troopers and the Oxford Police Department.

Begeal, formerly of Oxford, is charged with one count of 2nd degree burglary, three counts of 3rd degree criminal mischief, several counts of 3rd degree burglary, several counts of petit larceny and several counts of 4th degree criminal mischief.

“We had every available officer working on this, either looking for Begeal, or trying to prevent any further burglaries,” said Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino.

Police are still trying to determine if the suspect may be responsible for other recent burglaries in the Norwich and Oxford area. Police said at least 15 separate burglaries were committed over the course of the weekend; at least nine in Norwich and at least six in the Village of Oxford.

“There are a whole lot of burglaries that everyone wants to talk to this guy about,” said Oxford Village Police Chief Richard Nolan.

The crime spree began Friday and continued through Sunday morning. The initial spate began with seven business-related burglaries being reported Friday morning in the City of Norwich. By about 9 p.m. Friday, another burglary was reported. Then on Saturday, six burglaries were committed overnight in the Village of Oxford. The last in the string of burglaries was committed Sunday morning in the City of Norwich. Begeal is also wanted for questioning concerning several other burglaries that took place in the Syracuse area, according to police.