Lacombe Police Services have apparently cracked a vehicle break-in ring that may be responsible for a more than 1,000 break-ins and attempted break-ins this summer.
Acting Sgt. Richard Kohut said on Monday that police have arrested 11 people, including seven youths, in connection with the thefts that occurred between April 15 and July 15.
Kohut said four adult males were arrested. Two of those under 18 years of age were females.
Police conducted an intensive investigation and the alleged offenders face numerous charges.
Kohut said some of the suspects admitted to trying to break into about 1,000 vehicles and that they gained entry to several hundred.
No names, charges or court dates have been announced.
The majority of break-ins occurred on weekends but the police received reports of break-ins on a regular basis through the week.
Kohut said numerous break-ins also weren’t reported.
Police report that the thieves pilfered change, cigarettes, sunglasses and various electronic devices.
Kohut said very few items were recovered, although a black, leather jacket and Nano iPod are two items still not claimed.
He also said people should be diligent in locking their vehicles when they are left unattended. In addition, items left in vehicles should be hidden from sight.
Anyone with information about the break-ins should call police at 403-782-3279 or Central Alberta Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.