LIBERTY – Police in the Village of Liberty have arrested two local men in connection with a recent string of property crimes in the village.

The arrests of Adam Awny, 42, and Paul Ellis, 39, both of Liberty, came after a series of reports that parked cars in the village were opened and rummaged through in the middle of the night, often with property stolen.

In addition to items being stolen from vehicles, it was found that credit and debit cards were stolen and used locally in the village.

Awny was arrested on Chestnut Street in the village on April 19 after he attempted to hide and conceal evidence and items stolen in the incidents.

He was charged with three counts of criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny and tampering with physical evidence, all felonies, and two counts of misdemeanor petit larceny.

The following day, two Liberty police officers, on Main Street foot patrol, spotted Ellis, who was believed to be the other suspect. He fled on foot down an alleyway but was apprehended.

He was charged with two counts of criminal possession of stolen property and grand larceny, all felonies.

Both suspects were remanded to the Sullivan County Jail without bail pending further count action.

Police Chief Steven D’Agata said the case was cracked by “good old fashion police work.”