ANAHEIM, CALIF (October 25, 2019) – Detectives from APD’s Burglary/Auto Theft Detail are attributing the Neighbors app by Ring for the successful identification of two male juvenile suspects involved in an 11 hour crime spree.
On October 16, 2019, APD officers responded to a theft from vehicle call at the Canyon Auto Wash 8285 E. Monte Vista in Anaheim. Two suspects allegedly stole jewelry and other personal items from a car parked at the location. A responding officer recognized the suspect descriptions as being similar to that from several other theft from vehicle calls earlier that morning in the same general area.
Over the next few days, video from Ring security cameras began circulating on the Ring Neighbors app of the same suspects attempting and committing thefts from vehicles. As a result of the videos, a community member contacted the police and provided the name of one of the suspects. Additional investigation led to the identification of the second suspect. Both suspects are male juveniles, 16 and 17 years old.
Detectives have now tied these two juveniles to one residential burglary, 12 attempted thefts from vehicles, four thefts from vehicles, one attempted theft via credit card, and one completed theft via credit card. All of the crimes occurred between 2:00 am and 1:00 pm on October 16th. Continuing investigations are underway to determine if these suspects can be tied to additional crimes in the surrounding area.
Both suspects are now in custody at Orange County Juvenile Hall. Their names and photographs cannot be released due to their age.
Many of the victim vehicles were left unlocked in residential driveways with valuables left inside. We strongly encourage people to lock their cars and remove valuables to deter and prevent thefts of this nature.