Six unlocked vehicles burglarized in western Shawnee

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Posted: January 22, 2019 - 10:12 a.m.

Shawnee police say six unlocked vehicles were burglarized early Monday morning in a western Shawnee neighborhood.

Major Sam Larson of the Shawnee Police Department says officers were called around 1:30 a.m. to a home in the 5500 block of Lakeridge Drive, in the Symphony at Monticello neighborhood, on a report of a possible auto burglary. The neighborhood is located near the intersection of Johnson Drive and Monticello Road.

"A citizen called reporting suspicious activity and thought someone was trying to break into a vehicle at their home," Maj. Larson said.

Officers searched the area with a K-9 but were unable to locate the suspect.

A resident of the neighborhood called the police again around 3:30 a.m. after seeing the suspect walking in the area. A responding officer spotted the suspect near 56th Street and Millridge Street.

"The male suspect, an 18-year-old Kansas City, Kansas resident, fled from officers on foot," Maj. Larson said. "He was taken into custody a short time later."

Johnson County Sheriff's Office booking logs show the suspect was arrested at 3:54 a.m. and then booked into the Adult Detention Center in Olathe at 7:55 a.m.

Maj. Larson say officers have already taken six case numbers which are believed to be associated with this suspect.

Police say all six of the vehicles burglarized were left unlocked.

"The vast majority of the auto burglaries we investigate are to unlocked vehicles, help to greatly reduce your chance of being a theft victim by locking your cars," Maj. Larson said. "We ask that all residents take the time to remove valuables from vehicles and to ensure that their vehicles are locked."

Maj. Larson adds that it's always a good idea to double check that your garage door is closed and car doors are locked before going to bed.

Police are asking anyone who believes their vehicle may have been burglarized or entered over the weekend to call them, 913-631-2150, to report the crime.

The suspect remains in the custody of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and is awaiting formal charges. Operation 100 News will update this report to identify the alleged suspect once he is charged on Tuesday afternoon.

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