JOHNSTOWN, Ohio (WMCH) — Police in central Ohio are investigating a crime spree involving car break-ins spanning at least four communities.
More than 30 vehicles were broken into or rummaged through in Johnstown late the night of Nov. 7, according to Officer Deirdre Fife with the Johnstown Police Department. She said many of those incidents took place in the Leafy Dell neighborhood.
“They hit a neighborhood really, really hard. They were walking up driveways. There are five of them. Walking up driveways and across lawns, it was like divide and conquer," she said.
Residents shared some video with investigators. In one, a person can be seen breaking a truck's window, then jumping into the vehicle through it. In another, individuals are seen walking around a neighborhood checking cars.
“I think it's devastating," Fife said. “They were violated, they’re coming up close to their houses where their families are sleeping, that's pretty bold.”
Officer Fife was working that night. She said the department got a call about one break in, then realized there were many more.
“One firearm was stolen. And honestly, what was interesting is they left a lot of high value items behind. They didn't take a lot of high value things that they could have. They took some wallets, that's normal, but I think they’re targeting some firearms," Fife said.
The vehicle the thieves are seen getting in and out of in the videos is an Infinity Q50, according to Fife. She said that vehicle was stolen in Upper Arlington and also used at car break ins in New Albany and Newark that same night.
“I believe with each incident they get away with, they are emboldened," Fife said. "I believe that they grow more confident and think they won't get caught. They’re mistaken, that's for sure."
Fife reminded residents to close garages at night and not leave valuables or firearms in cars. Anyone who can help identify the thieves is encouraged to reach out to police, or email Fife.
