Three teens arrested in NE Bend car break-ins
Three teenage boys, ages 15 to 17, face theft and other charges, accused of illegally entering at least seven cars in a northeast Bend neighborhood – all of which had been left unlocked, police said Saturday, as they looked for any other victims.
Police investigating a runaway juvenile case on Thursday learned of the string of vehicle break-ins that had occurred between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. the night before, said Sgt. Brian Beekman.
The reported break-ins occurred to cars or pickups in a neighborhood off Cooley Road and 18 th Street, on the following streets: Hunters Circle, Nicholette Drive, Barton Way Crossing, Justice Lane, Vogt Road and Russell Drive.
Beekman said their investigation found that the three Bend juveniles, ages 15, 16 and 17, had entered a series of cars and stole or tried to steal items. He noted that all seven of the cars had been left unlocked. The 15-year-old lives in the area, he added.
The teens were arrested on seven counts of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, three counts of second-degree theft and one count each of criminal mischief and third-degree theft, the latter for damaging the slider on a pickup truck’s back window, the sergeant said.
Some of the property has been recovered and the victims identified, Beekman said.
It’s possible that there were other victims, the officer said. Anyone who believed they might have been a victim is asked to contact Bend police at (541) 693-6911.
Police also reminded vehicle owners they should lock them when they are left outside overnight or for any length of time.
