Arrests Made After String of Break-Ins Early Thursday, Oakdale Police Department Urges Residents to Report any Additional Thefts

A string of car break-ins and a residential burglary were reported to Oakdale police during the early morning hours Thursday, according to a press release from the Oakdale Police Department.

Police arrested two men and a juvenile in connection with the incidents, and they are asking residents to report any car break-ins as well as detailed descriptions of items stolen to aid in the return of their property, the release says.

As of about noon on Thursday, the department had received six theft from motor vehicle reports, which occurred between the 5400 block of Golfview Avenue and the 2600 block of Granite Avenue, and one burglary report, according to the release.

According to the press release:

The first report came in at 3:21 a.m. A homeowner in the 5400 block of Golfview Avenue said he heard his garage door close and then discovered items were missing from his garage and vehicle, which was parked inside the garage. Someone gained access to the garage using a remote electronic garage door opener taken from a vehicle parked in the driveway.

At 3:44 a.m. a witness reported seeing three males breaking into vehicles in the area of the 2600 block of Granite Avenue. A Maplewood Police Department unit stopped a vehicle occupied by three males in the area. Police later determined the vehicle was stolen from North St. Paul and contained stolen property. Two adult males and one juvenile male were taken into custody and booked at the Washington County Jail for possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools and tampering with an auto.

"The Oakdale Police Department applauds and encourages the reporting efforts in this case which led to the arrests and recovery of stolen property," the release says.

To prevent being victimized, do not leave valuables in vehicles and remove items like keys, remote garage door openers and personal information from any vehicle parked and unattended, according to the release.

For additional information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch Program please contact Michelle Stark at 651-702-5204.