Chattanooga Police have arrested two suspects responsible for approximately 40 auto burglaries in East Brainerd neighborhoods over two weekends in October.
Trevor Sims, 18, and a 17-year-old are charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft of property. A cell phone left in a victim’s vehicle and video evidence helped investigators identify the suspects.
The Chattanooga Police Department’s Auto Burglary Unit was called to investigate several thefts that occurred around the Gunbarrel/Shallowford Road area on Oct.
28. During the course of the investigation, a cell phone was located in a victim’s vehicle and a resident in the area provided police with video evidence of their vehicle being broken into.
From that evidence, investigators identified the suspects. Through further investigation, it was determined the suspects stole 40 cell phones, five firearms, ammunition and other personal items of value from the victims. Many of the vehicles targeted were left unlocked.
Sims and the juvenile suspect could face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Victims inquiring about cell phones or other property stolen during an auto burglary should contact CPD by calling (423) 643-5000 and ask for the Property Crimes Unit. If calling about a stolen cell phone please provide a serial or IMEI number.
From Jan. 1 - Oct. 31, 237 firearms were reported stolen from locked and unlocked vehicles. This accounts for 51% of stolen firearms in the first 10 months of this year.