Officer Matt Lysight was the first to arrive and contacted two male juveniles walking down Palomino Way from the area of the break-in. Both admitted to breaking into cars in the area and showed the officers which vehicles they had gotten into. The pair, ages 16 and 17 of West Linn, entered nineteen UNLOCKED cars and at least two open garages (burglary).
The officers recovered numerous GPS devices, cell phones, knives, tools, sunglasses, cash and coins. Both youths were released to their parents and will be referred to the Clackamas County Juvenile Department for the following charges:
• Burglary 1 (x 2)
• Theft 2 (x 12)
• Unlawful Entry to a Motor Vehicle (x 19)
The West Linnn Police Department does not believe these individuals are responsible for other car break-ins occurring in other south metro cities as neither drives; this was a pedestrian crime spree.
"This is a classic case of why we ask residents to call when they see suspicious activity, while it is occurring, not hours later," said Police Chief Terry Timeus. "Our officers stand a much better chance of catching these criminals and recovering stolen property if they respond to an in progress call."
"This type of crime is totally preventable," said Sgt. Neil Hennelly "These two only opened unlocked cars, if they found the car locked, they moved on to another."
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Contact Info: Sgt. Neil Hennelly 503-655-6214 ext 4498