Howard police recently arrested ten thieves, marking the success of several undercover squads created to combat a surge of car break-ins across the county.
Thefts from vehicles in Howard have increased 43 percent from the same time frame in 2007, for a total of 3,013, police said.
The surge prompted police in October to create special undercover squads to assist uniformed police patrols in monitoring the problem— a plan that appears to be working in light of the recent arrests.
“These arrests are the result of hard work by our patrol officers and detectives, as well as cooperation from our citizens. Community partnerships with police are critical in combating crime,” said Police Chief William McMahon.
Investigators have been tracking the rising trend, which spared few communities and prompted County Executive Ken Ulman to call for a partnership between citizens and law enforcement.
Police said Friday that patrol units arrested three suspects in Ellicott City, who were in possession of items that were reported stolen by six different victims including, cell phones, GPS units, credit cards and cash.
Christopher McGowens, 20, of Catonsville, Matthew Shaffer, 18, of Baltimore, and a 16-year-old from Baltimore, were each charged with the thefts as well as drug possession.
In another incident, officers arrested Justin Barnabae, 20, and Adam Jeppi 19, both of Catonsville, after a traffic stop Oct. 15 where officers found stolen items inside their car from five separate thefts earlier that day.
Police are continuing to investigate car brake-ins and ask anyone with information to call 410-313-STOP.
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