25 cars burglarized, 3 boys arrested

Salt Lake police arrested three juveniles Friday in connection with a rash of at least 25 car burglaries.

An officer was responding to the area of 1100 East and 400 South about 1:25 a.m. on a report of a prowler when he spotted a suspicious car driving in the opposite direction, said police spokeswoman Lara Jones.

Just as the officer was turning around, the car with three juveniles accelerated away. The officer did not give chase. But a short distance later, the car failed to make a turn, hit a curb and then hit a parked car, Jones said.

The juveniles got out and ran. One was caught immediately. Two others were arrested after police dogs were called to the area. The three boys taken into custody were 14, 16 and 17 years old, Jones said.

Investigators believe the group was also responsible for a beer theft at a store near 900 West and 900 North Thursday night. The beer was found in the car after the crash, still unopened, Jones said.

The group then went on a large burglary spree, breaking into cars by busting windows, and then grabbing whatever valuables they could find, mainly electronics, she said. IPods, stereos, laptops, golf clubs and burglary tools were recovered from the group.

The investigation into whether others might also be involved continued Friday.

Jones encouraged residents not to leave valuables in their vehicles, even when the doors are locked.

"Don't make it easy for these folks," he said. "Don't make them interested in your car."

— Pat Reavy