Pittsburgh police said a young burglar charged in a series of crimes left notes for some of his victims offering to return their belongings in exchange for cash.
The 15-year-old boy was charged this week in 13 burglaries in the Shadyside area and detectives believe he worked with at least one co-conspirator.
Police began receiving reports of the burglaries June 20. The crimes were similar in that the burglar would enter a home late at night while the victims were still there, often through unlocked doors or windows, police said. The thief took more than $120,000 worth of property, including six vehicles, electronics, computers, jewelry, cell phones and a electronic gaming station, said Sgt. Kevin Gasiorowski of the burglary squad.
Twice, he said, the burglar used the stolen cell phones to send text messages to contacts in the victims phones, offering to sell them back their stuff. In another case, the burglar left a similar note on a victim's door.
"It's rare to have that many notes tied to a suspect," the sergeant said.
Police said a tipster, surveillance and evidence led to the arrest.
The juvenile is being held in Shuman Detention Center and also faces 10 counts of conspiracy, eight counts of theft and one count of attempted burglary.
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