Cops break up juvenile theft ring
Nine McCook youths have been identified as being behind a string of thefts in the city recently.
The male juveniles, between the ages of 12 and 15, took items from unlocked cars, yards and open garages, according to McCook City Police Chief Ike Brown.
The thefts occurred in the past six to eight weeks and items stolen were "anything visible and available," Brown said. This included pricier items like iPods and electronic equipment such as satellite radios and GPS systems, down to sunglasses and change left in vehicles.
Brown said the incidents included 38 thefts from cars, nine garage break-ins, 11 cases of property stolen from yards and 13 instances of criminal mischief. Not all of the juveniles were involved in all of the thefts, and citations are still pending.
Known as "car hopping," the thefts occurred in all areas of the city but began on the east side of town, Brown said.
About 60 percent of the expensive items have been recovered, with the McCook Police Department still recovering other items. Some of the property retrieved has not been identified and Brown asked that if citizens who have had items stolen but did not report it, to contact the Police Department to see if their items have been recovered.
Brown commended the diligent efforts of police officers in solving the thefts and also the public for providing tips to the department.
"The input from the public was very important in getting this solved," he said.
He reminded citizens not to leave valuable items in their vehicles and to lock their cars and garages.
Thefts from cars are "crimes of opportunity," he explained and leaving items in vehicles "makes it attractive for someone to swipe it."
Items taken from cars can increase when the level of activity increases, Brown said, when a large number of vehicles are parked in a certain area, such as in parking lots in the Christmas season or during fairs.