Teens admit to car burglaries

POST FALLS – Two 14-year-old boys have confessed to a string of more than 40 car burglaries in Post Falls – including about 20 that the Post Falls Police Department said haven’t even been reported.

The case is one of the largest vehicle burglary cases in Post Falls in recent years, said Lt. Greg Mclean.

“We’ve had several spouts of burglaries from time to time – this one seems to be more in quantity than we’ve seen in the past,” Mclean said.

The teens allegedly stole from unlocked cars in the area between 15th and 22nd streets and Chase and Idaho roads. Their spree began late June 19 and ended early June 22, according to a police report.

“The claim the boys made is they entered every vehicle that was unlocked,” Mclean said. “Anything that was free and loose pretty much got taken. There were purses, make-up, sunglasses, CDs, candy, tobacco and an iPod.”

An anonymous tipster told police about a number of suspected stolen items in the garage at one boy’s home. Police found cash and more than 100 items in the garage, including DVD players, car stereos and speakers.

Neither of the teens has a previous criminal record.

“They couldn’t give us a real reason (why they did it) other than it was something fun to do,” Mclean said.

Police plan to ask county prosecutors office to file criminal charges.

“The crimes committed (include) vehicle burglary, which is a felony,” Mclean said. “Feasibly, they could be held accountable for each vehicle they burglarized as a (separate) count.”

The teens have been released to their parents and are cooperating with authorities.

But they could eventually end up spending time in Kootenai County’s juvenile detention center, Mclean said.

Mclean reminded drivers to remove valuables from the cars, lock their vehicles, and park in lighted driveways.

Of the “tons” of stuff stolen, about half of it has yet to be claimed, Mclean said.