Police Chief Weighs In On Car Break-Ins In Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Four teenagers were taken into custody this week in connection to a string of vehicle break-ins throughout Cleveland, Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights. On Wednesday night, Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg commented on the arrest of the suspect.

"Upon further investigation it is believed that these suspects are responsible for numerous break-ins in Cleveland Heights that occurred Sunday night into Monday morning. Detectives are continuing to investigate to determine if these juveniles are responsible other break-ins in other communities as well. Charges are pending," Mecklenburg said in a statement to the community.

Several cars had their windows smashed out on Monday while parked outside an apartment complex in Cleveland Heights, according to Fox 8. Similar incidents happened along Meadowbrook Boulevard, Cedar Road, Fairmount Boulevard and Warrensville Center Road.

A spokesperson for Cleveland police said the teens are believed to be behind nearly 80 car break-ins in Cleveland, Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights.

Three of the teenagers are 16 and the fourth is 17. Police said the teens were active in Cleveland's southeast side and the two suburbs. Detectives believe the teenagers may have also broken into cars in East Cleveland and in downtown Cleveland.

The police spokesperson said the teenagers had a weapon when they were taken into custody. Police said the following charges could be filed against the teenagers: aggravated robbery, carrying a concealed weapon, breaking and entering, theft, criminal damaging and trespassing.