The incident occurred on the Wading River in Suffolk County at 3am on Friday, July 21.
According to Riverhead police, a private investigator hired to follow suspects who had stolen cooking oil across Long Island spotted the pair stealing the oil and called police.
The private investigator reported that he observed two men stealing oil from the North Tavern at 2028 North Country Road; Phil’s Restaurant (1856 Wading River Manor Road) and Senor Taco (6274 Route 25A) both in Wading River.
They also reported that about $700 worth of cooking oil was stolen from the three locations. Riverhead police said.
Police said Riverhead coordinated a response with investigators and the two were arrested at the scene.
Following an investigation, Justin Banks, 24, of Flushing and Carlos Mora, 62, of Brooklyn were arrested and charged with three counts of petty theft.
Both men were taken to Riverhead Police Station and released on court appearance tickets.
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