Williams Police report rash of vehicle burglaries

WILLIAMS Ariz. — Williams Police Department announced they have made arrests following reports of vehicle break-ins in town.

The department received numerous reports from community members of thefts from 15-20 unlocked vehicles.

Reports began to roll in for missing items Feb. 18. Residents reported that cash, guns and other miscellaneous property stored in their vehicles had been stolen. With the help of homeowner surveillance videos, Williams police were able to identify five subjects and a suspect vehicle. After completing an extensive investigation, one 18-year-old adult and four juveniles between the ages of 14 and 17 were arrested.

“None of those folks were strangers to us,” said Williams Police Chief Tad Wygal.

Using a search warrant, Williams police seized the suspect vehicle. They also recovered three stolen rifles, several stolen handguns and a variety of other stolen property. These recovered items are currently being matched to reports. As of Feb. 22, charges were pending for all five subjects.

According to Wygal, residential areas affected by the robberies include Quarter Horse Road, Rogers Avenue, West Morse Avenue and the neighborhoods near Elephant Rocks Golf Course.

“We want to remind folks, we love our town, it’s a great place to live, but the reality is you should be locking your doors and locking your car doors,” Wygal said. “Don’t leave valuable items in your vehicles, particularly if you’re not going to lock the doors.”

Following the arrests, police are completing the evidentiary process.

“We’re just trying to get it all laid out straight. In the near future, we’ll be able to contact each victim and have them retrieve their belongings,” Wygal said.

Through their investigation, Williams Police recovered more guns and property than what had been reported missing.

“We have some things that haven’t even been reported (missing), and we have some things that we haven’t recovered,” Wygal said. “We would like for folks to check their vehicles and make sure nothing’s missing because we do have some property that has not been claimed at this time.”

Wygal said he hopes these robberies serve as a reminder to the community to always lock their doors and keep valuable items safe.

“As awesome as Williams is, unfortunately if you can’t afford to lose it, I would recommend locking it up,” Wygal said. “If you think something’s been tampered with, call us immediately.