Community Corner

Cops Catch Car Burglars in the Act, but Thefts Continue

Since the arrest of two individuals, Town and Country residents have reported additional thefts from vehicles.

Town and Country police have reported that officers caught a pair of burglars looting area vehicles a couple of weeks ago, but the suspects were freed pending the filing of charges.

Meanwhile, city police said "residents have reported additional thefts from vehicles. It is believed other individuals are out roaming neighborhood streets late at night looking for items to steal from unlocked cars."

Here's the complete news release from the Town and Country Police Department; Patch has removed the names of the suspects, who have not yet been formally charged with any crimes. Patch's policy is to name suspects only after charges have been filed:

In the early morning hours of Saturday, May 18, a Town and Country Officer interrupted two subjects stealing items from a vehicle. One suspect (a 17-year-old from Ballwin), fled the scene on foot and was located and arrested in the Village Green Apartment complex in Chesterfield.

The second suspect (also a 17-year-old from Ballwin), was arrested at the scene after he was found hiding under a parked vehicle.

One was in possession of the victim’s diamond wedding ring, cash and headphones which were stolen from her unlocked vehicle. A records check revealed he was arrested in April 2013 for several thefts from vehicles in the West St. Louis County area. Both suspects were later released pending application of warrants with St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office. They are suspected of being involved in 4 other reported thefts from unlocked vehicles in the Willowbend Apartment complex since the beginning of the year.

Since the arrest of these two individuals, Town and Country residents have reported additional thefts from vehicles. It is believed other individuals are out roaming neighborhood streets late at night looking for items to steal from unlocked cars. Police patrols have been increased in the affected areas.

The majority vehicles targeted to date have been those which were UNLOCKED; proving that a locked vehicle is a deterrent. To minimize your likelihood of becoming a victim, be sure to remove or store valuables out of sight and LOCK your vehicle(s). Your UNLOCKED doors give a thief KEY opportunities. So remember to Lock It or Lose It!

Also if you SEE something, SAY something. Call 911 or 314-737-4600.

If you have questions or have any information reference the above thefts contact Det. Jim Gorman.


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