Arrests of 4 juveniles may clear 25 burglaries

9/29/2005

Toledo police expect to clear at least 25 residential burglaries that have occurred since July in the city s north end with the arrest of four boys this week in connection with the crimes.

Investigators said the boys, ages 12 to 14, who live in North Toledo, are accused of watching residents mostly elderly and often women 80 or older as they worked in their yards or sat on their porches in the late afternoon and early evening hours.

The incidents occurred in the 3300 block of Mulberry Street and the area bounded by Central and Stickney avenues, Manhattan Boulevard, and Elm Street, burglary Detective Jeff Clark said.

He said the boys entered the residences through open doors or windows or by cutting window screens. They took cash, jewelry, keys, and vehicles. One victim lost $1,500 in coins; another $6,000 worth of jewelry. A handgun and a shotgun also were taken; one residence was forcibly entered, the detective said.

He said the boys rode the area on bicycles, then ditched the bikes when they committed the burglaries.

He said several of the victims were burglarized more than once.