Ann Arbor police arrested two people suspected of breaking into cars on the city’s west side after recovering stolen property from a van and a home Monday night.
Ann Arbor police Detective Lt. Robert Pfannes said uniformed officers were on patrol about 10 p.m. Monday when they spotted a white conversion van. Pfannes said the van matched the description of a similar vehicle observed in the area during recent vehicle break-ins.
“Two subjects were taken into custody and stolen property was recovered from the van and subsequently a home on the city’s west side,” Pfannes said. “Detectives are continuing to piece together the cases for submission to the prosecutor’s office.”
The arrests come on the heels of police releasing information to the public about a string of vehicle break-ins throughout the city that started earlier this year.
Police reported 12 vehicle break-ins on the city's west side Sunday night and Monday morning, in addition to a few reported during the day on Monday.
Police said thieves would go through parking lots until they spotted a vehicle with valuable items in plain sight. The intruders would either enter through an unlocked door or smash a window in order to gain entry.
Pfannes urged local residents to continue to take precautions when parking their vehicles.
“(We) believe there may be additional subjects breaking into cars in the area and ask that you do not leave valuables in plain view,” he said, urging anyone who sees suspicious activity — such as people looking into vehicles or trying door handles — to call 911.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.