Police Bust 'Serial Burglar' After Finding Him Riding a Bike

A man police believe is responsible for at least five burglaries and various thefts in Hampton was taken into custody without incident Wednesday after detectives found the elusive man riding his bike on the south end of town.

Joseph J. Lebel, 52, with a last known address in Manchester, was arrested on multiple warrants for burglary, receiving stolen property and fraudulent use of a credit card, and was also charged with possession of a controlled drug, according to Hampton Police Lt. Dan Gidley.

Gidley said detectives arrested Lebel, whom he said had been "eluding police for several months," after observing him "riding his bicycle" on Lafayette Road near the Hampton Falls town line on Aug. 7.

Police believe Lebel has been living on the Seacoast, and is a suspect in at least five burglaries "in the last year in Hampton alone," said Gidley. He said Lebel is also wanted by Seabrook authorities.

Lebel was arraigned Thursday in Hampton District Court and is being held on $15,000 cash or surety bail at the Rockingham County House of Corrections.

Gidley asked that anyone with information regarding Lebel's current address to contact the Hampton Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division at (603) 929-4444.

Anonymous tips about any suspected crimes can be left with the Crimeline for the Hamptons at (603) 929-1222 or hamptonscrimeline@yahoo.com. 

Tips can also be submitted at www.tipsubmit.com by selecting "Hamptons" as the region and by texting the word “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword "Hamptons." The Crimeline is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hamptoncrimeline. 

Rewards of up to $1,000 cash are available for tips that lead to the apprehension and conviction of the suspect(s).