ATHENS, Ga. — After at least 25 vehicle break-ins in one neighborhood, the Athens-Clarke Police Department say two teenagers were charged for theft.
It started when officers received multiple calls about a group entering multiple vehicles.
“At least 25 cars were entered, and a high percentage were unlocked,” police said.
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The entering auto reports said “valuables were taken, including guns, jewelry, cash, computers, and even a baseball bat and glove.” While officers responded to a report of entering auto, they noticed other vehicles that may have also been broken into and began investigating the area.
That’s when officers began canvassing the Bridgewater Neighborhood on Jonas Avenue and other nearby areas.
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During this process, police said 17-year-olds Tyaj Bercy and James White were found as early morning calls came in to 911 about suspicious people in the area.
Police arrived and officers said they saw two juveniles who were wearing all black walking along Bailey Street.
When the officers spoke to Bercy, he told them he was with a group of four people who were hanging out at Pinewood Apartments, but that he and the other juvenile with him were leaving to go home.
Police said they searched Bercy and found a black ski mask, a pair of gloves, $107 in cash and a pair of Beats AirPods.
A detective who came over interviewed Bercy and White and asked an officer to take Bercy to the police precinct for further questioning.
Bercy was charged with loitering and prowling, entering automobile with intent to commit theft, wearing a mask or hood to conceal identity and conspiracy to commit a felony.
ACCPD said residents should remember to take valuables, including guns, out of their vehicles, especially overnight and to make sure to lock the vehicle doors.
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