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They called themselves the Vandal Bandits. Now the northern Lancaster County gang's crime spree appears to be over.
On Friday, state and local police arrested Alexander J. Mayer, 20, and David M. Wood, 22, both of Ephrata, and Thomas E. Malin, 23, of Ephrata and Lancaster.
VIDEO: Police detail 'Vandal Bandits' bust
Mayer and Wood are accused of as many as 35 burglaries between July and early September. Malin is suspected of being involved in one of the crimes.
The burglaries took place in Akron and Ephrata boroughs, and Brecknock, Ephrata, Earl, West Earl, East and West Cocalico, Warwick and Rapho townships.
According to police, Mayer and Wood were spotted by Ephrata officers Friday near the scene of a burglary on East Main Street in the borough. The two were detained until detectives arrived.
Police said the duo would break into a business by throwing a rock through a window or door. In some cases, they would spray-paint graffiti on walls or other items inside the business.
Mayer and Wood were arraigned Friday before District Justice Rodney H. Hartman and committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail for Mayer and $500,000 for Wood.
Malin was arrested and arraigned before Hartman on Tuesday. He was released on $50,000 bail.
Besides state police, officers from Ephrata and New Holland boroughs and East Cocalico Township took part in the investigation.
A police press conference is scheduled today at 1:30 p.m. at Ephrata Borough police station, at which time more information on the gang and its alleged crimes will be released.
E-mail: lalexander@lnpnews.com
