Burglar Caught by Charging Phone

If you’re going to be burglarizing houses, here’s a tip: Don’t leave your phone charging where you broke in.

Montgomery County Police charged Cody Wilkins, 25, on Jan. 29 with various counts of burglary and malicious destruction of property for several burglaries in January.

Fourth district officers found a cell phone charging in the 13700 block of Lockdale Road, where they had responded to a reported burglary. After detectives placed a call to a recently called number on the phone, the name and home address of the suspect was confirmed. 

Detectives found out that power was out in the suspect’s residence; he had broken into the house to charge his phone. After arresting him, police learned he was allegedly responsible for additional burglaries. 

A search warrant executed at Wilkins’ residence produced significant quantities of jewelry and some electronics. 

Originally released on bond, Wilkins was charged with additional counts of first-degree burglary.

Residences involved in the charges against Wilkins:

• 13700 block of Lockdale Road
• 1900 block of Middlebridge Drive
• 13700 block of Lockdale Road
• 13800 block of Turnmore Road
• 3300 block of Sandberg Terrace 
• 5700 block of Stillwell Road 
• 17300 block of Evangeline Lane
• 15300 block of Rosecroft Road 
• 15200 block of Rosecroft Road 
• 13500 block of Winding Trail Court 
• 13577 block of Coachlamp Lane