Smash-and-grab robber strikes at least 9 times

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Police have arrested a homeless man in connection with nine smash-and-grab robberies of businesses in Manhattan since June.

The NYPD believes that Irving Talavera, 49, is behind at least nine smash-and-grab robberies of businesses including one in which he threw a brick through a hair salon window to gain entry.

In that incident on August 7 at about 4:10 a.m., the robber stole a 36-inch flat-screen TV.

Most of the break-ins took place on the Upper East Side and included nail salons, cleaners, restaurants and a gym. In most cases, Talavera allegedly smashed the cash register on the floor to break it open.  More than $10,000 was stolen in the incidents.

Talavera faces several charges including nine counts of burglary, grand larceny and two counts of petit larceny.