Two Juveniles Arrested Following Sierra Vista Vehicle Burglary Spree

Sierra Vista’s local social media pages were flooded last week with home security camera footage showing two teens walking up and down neighborhood driveways, checking for unlocked vehicles. The kids approach a car, test the handle, and if the door’s locked, they move on.

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They’re both walking at a normal pace, not attracting much attention. Dressed in hoodies, one carried a distinctive backpack that authorities hoped would be noticeable to someone who knew them.

The Sierra Vista Police Department posted stills and asked the public for help identifying the kids so they could put a stop to the crime spree.

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Investigation Linked Multiple Burglaries

Two juveniles have been arrested following a string of vehicle burglaries that affected a Sierra Vista neighborhood earlier this week.

According to a press release from the Sierra Vista Police Department, officers responded to numerous reports of vehicle break-ins in the Canyon de Flores area on Sept. 7. As reports came in, police reached out to residents in the area, asking them to check their vehicles for missing items or damage and to report any suspicious activity in the neighborhood.

via Google Maps | Canva

As reports came in, investigators connected the suspects to a series of 12 vehicle burglaries throughout the neighborhood. Police say most targeted vehicles had been left unlocked. One vehicle showed signs of an attempted hotwire.

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Security Footage Helped Build The Case

Police said home security cameras played a significant role in the investigation and ultimately in solving the case. The video footage the department obtained from residents captured images of the suspects and helped investigators establish a timeline of events and track the route they traveled through the neighborhood.

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Investigators also obtained additional surveillance footage from a nearby gas station, which provided further evidence. The SVPD credited the residents who responded to police social media posts and provided tips that helped move the case forward.

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Community Tips Led To Arrests

On September 8th, the Sierra Vista police arrested two juveniles in connection with the burglary spree. The suspects were booked into the Juvenile Detention Center on 12 counts of vehicle burglary and one count of attempted theft of a means of transportation.

Because the suspects are juveniles, police have not released their names or genders.

Aggressive driving in Sierra Vista

“We appreciate the community’s assistance in this investigation,” Sierra Vista Police Chief Chris Hiser said. “Resident involvement was critical in the identification and apprehension of the suspects.”

The Sierra Vista Police Department is asking anyone with additional information about the case to contact them at (520) 452-7500 or report anonymously by phone or online at 88-CRIME.