A juvenile is facing charges after at least 20 cars were entered over the weekend in Somerset, according to police.

 

Officers responded to Thelma Avenue around 1 a.m. Sunday after a resident reported someone went into their car and took various items.

 

During a search of the neighborhood, officers found multiple vehicles had been entered and said the suspect appeared to be checking for unlocked doors. Officers also located stolen property dropped along driveways and streets near other vehicles.

 

Investigators determined three male suspects had been in the area about an hour earlier after speaking with neighbors and reviewing surveillance footage.

 

As the search neared the town line, Swansea police were called for assistance.

 

Police said three males were seen running away as officers approached. A juvenile who was attempting to hide was later located and arrested once police obtained evidence linking him to the crimes.

 

Through the investigation, police discovered between 20 and 25 vehicles had been entered overnight. Police said additional reports were filed Monday morning as residents awoke to find their cars had been “ransacked.”

 

“In all instances, the vehicles were not broken into or damaged by the suspects as they chose to only enter cars which they found to be unlocked,” the police department wrote in a social media post. “In some cases, police found money and car keys which were not taken by the teenage suspects.”

 

See more at wpri.com.