The Republic Police Department reminds residents to lock their vehicle doors, remove keys from the ignition, and not leave valuables in sight.
Five people have been arrested in connection with a string of vehicle break-ins and thefts in Republic and Springfield.
On the morning of Wednesday, June 6, Republic Police responded to a call on E. Hamilton near N. Oakwood Ave. regarding several individuals rummaging through a vehicle. Upon arriving on the scene, officers found five people- including two juveniles and three adults- stealing items from vehicles. The two juveniles (including one who was listed as a runaway from Springfield) were transported to the Greene County Juvenile Detention Center. The three adult males were taken to the Greene County Jail.
During the initial phase of the investigation, it was determined the individuals had targeted at least 25 vehicles in both Springfield and Republic. In two of the cars, glass was broken to gain entry. However, a majority of the cases involved car owners leaving their doors unlocked. Furthermore, it was determined the party had been in possession of two stolen vehicles, one from Republic and the other from Springfield. Both vehicles and the property located within have since been returned to their owners.
The Republic Police Department reminds everyone to lock their vehicle doors, remove keys from the ignition, and not leave valuables in sight.
###
For further details or media inquiries, please contact Michael Landis, Public Information Officer, at MLandis@RepublicMo.com and 417-380-7697, or Republic Police Lieutenant Tim Wheeler at TWheeler@republicmo.com.