Anonymous tip leads police to arrest serial burglar in Allen

Among the businesses robbed was Mayor Steve Terrell's dry cleaning business.

Robert John Pivnick

ALLEN — Allen police arrested a suspect in the recent burglaries of four businesses after receiving an anonymous tip that gave them his name and address.

Robert John Pivnick, 52, was arrested at about 4 p.m. Sunday and charged with burglarizing Style America Salon, Bethany Pet Hospital, Terrell's Dry Cleaning, and TSW Nails. The burglaries took place last Thursday night.

Terrell's Dry Cleaning is owned by Mayor Steve Terrell.

Allen Police Sgt. Jon Felty said Pivnick has an extensive criminal history that includes previous burglary and narcotics violations. He is currently being held at the Collin County Jail on $100,000 bond – $25,000 for each count.

Pivnick was shown in security footage limping and using a cane but Felty said that was a ruse, adding that the suspect would limp and act elderly when he saw other people.

Pivnick broke into the businesses by twisting off their door locks. Between the four burglaries, he stole approximately $140 in cash along with a plastic trash can, an iPAD, a 47-inch flat-screen TV, and an entire cash register. He also caused approximately $308 in property damage.