MADISON, Wis. -- Eight Madison men have been charged for their alleged roles in a smash and grab burglary ring in various parts of Dane County.

In all, 17 counts were filed and prosecutors said that obtaining crack cocaine was the motive behind many of the smash and grabs, WISC-TV reported.

The burglaries took place between January and May of this year.

In many of the break-ins, the suspects took large screen plasma or LCD televisions and then sold them for crack cocaine.

The burglaries occurred at a range of area businesses in Madison, Fitchburg and Middleton.