The State College Police Department arrested a Bellefonte man yesterday in connection with the recent thefts at Kaufmann's Department Store, 2901 E. College Ave.

Francis Wyland, 34, was arrested yesterday at about 10 a.m. at the store for trying to steal jewelry.

Wyland's arrest was also in connection with two other incidents that occurred in February and March when he allegedly stole about $8,000 worth of jewelry from the store.

According to a report filed with State College police, a store security officer, who recalled seeing security footage of the previous incidents, recognized Wyland yesterday as he attempted to steal $1,450 worth of jewelry.

According to court documents, the officer observed Wyland taking the jewelry from the display. The officer then used store surveillance equipment to videotape the suspect removing earrings from display cases and putting the merchandise in his pocket.

Wyland was stopped as he was leaving the store by a State College police officer. He then confessed to taking the jewelry and was arrested in the store by the State College police.

Yesterday was believed to be the third such incident in which Wyland had stolen from the store, according to police.

The first incident occurred in late February when the man walked into the store and took about $3,800 worth of jewelry, police said.

A second incident occurred on March 8 when Wyland allegedly entered and stole 52 pairs of earrings, valued at about $4,490.

After the March 8 incident, the State College police released a composite sketch of the suspect.

During questioning by State College police, Wyland said he was addicted to heroin, which was the reason for the thefts, court documents said.

Wyland was charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property.

He was arraigned yesterday before District Justice Bradley Lunsford and placed in Centre County Prison, where bail was set at $5,000.

A preliminary hearing will be held on March 31 at 8:30 a.m.