Two New Bedford men were arrested on Monday, December 16 after they allegedly broke into a house in Padanaram earlier that day, according to a statement released by the Dartmouth Police Department.

Dartmouth Police Detective Jose Catana stopped two men in a vehicle on Cove Road at around 11 a.m. on Monday after the driver went through a posted detour sign.

Meanwhile, police were also dispatched to High Street in Padanaram on a report of two suspicious men walking around the area.

The officers confirmed that a break-in had occurred in a High Street home after checking the area where the men were reportedly last seen.

According to police, Det. Catana — now accompanied by other officers — learned of the break-in and discovered property from the residence inside the vehicle. 

The suspects, Hubert Santos, 25, of Deane Street, New Bedford, and Jonathan Brito, 29, of Bullock Street, New Bedford, were subsequently arrested.

Santos was charged with receiving stolen property and use of a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony.

Brito was charged with receiving stolen property, use of a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony, operating after suspension, marked lanes violation, and driving with no inspection sticker.

Dartmouth Police Chief Brian Levesque said, “Not only are these arrests a perfect example of the importance of great teamwork, but they also show how valuable a conscientious detail officer can be in our continuing crime fighting efforts.”