Chattanooga police link two suspects with over 40 auto burglaries

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Auto break-ins and burglaries have plagued our area for the last few months.

Now Chattanooga Police believe they have cleared more than 40 vehicle cases with just two arrests.

18 year old Trevor Sims and a 17 year old juvenile were charged with multiple counts of Burglary and Theft of Property.

Investigators say they broke into vehicles in East Brainerd neighborhoods along Gunbarrel and Shallowford roads over a couple of weekends in October.

Investigators say one of the suspects left a cell phone in one of the vehicles.

And they also had video to help identify the suspects.

Investigators say the suspects took 40 phones, 5 guns, ammo and other personal items.

Police say many of the vehicles they went into were unlocked.

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.

Police report that just over half of the stolen vehicles in Chattanooga this year were taken from vehicles. The total is 237 firearms.