Utah cops: Boys went on auto theft, burglary spree

Orem police investigating reported runaway teens ended up arresting three boys in connection with an automobile burglary and theft spree.

Orem police Lt. Craig Martinez said the boys — ages 13 to 14 — were spotted running through residential yards about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Once officers located and apprehended them, they found numerous items that later proved to have been stolen in car break-ins in both Orem and neighboring Provo.

"While in Provo, they burglarized several cars and they eventually came to a car with the keys in it, a 1986 Cadillac DeVille. They stole that car and drove to Orem where they made a stop at Walmart and [using stolen credit cards] bought some snacks," Martinez said Wednesday.

The trio drove around Orem, stopped and broke into several other cars, but discovered the Cadillac's battery had died while they were away due to having left its radio on.

"So, they burglarized some more cars and ended up find the keys to a 2000 Ford Windstar and they stole that ... drove around Orem a bit and then up Provo Canyon to try and find a place to sleep," Martinez said.

Eventually, the boys parked their stolen van at Timpangos Hospital and broke into several more vehicles. They were caught shortly thereafter.

"So far we are trying to find owners for a lot of property: clothing, cell phones, makeup, cash, sun glasses, MP3 players, knives, duffle bags, and various kinds of electronics," Martinez said.

All three boys were booked into juvenile detention on suspicion of auto theft, auto burglary, possession of stolen property, credit card fraud and criminal mischief.

Martinez urged anyone suspecting they had been a victim in this case to contact Orem police at 801-229-7070.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims