Charges

expected

in string

of thefts

10 suspects arrested; value of stolen goods in the thousands

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Charges are expected soon against 10 people arrested in connection with a string of thefts from unlocked vehicles in New Ulm, authorities said Tuesday.

The suspects were arrested when police searched a house in New Ulm Monday afternoon and recovered items mentioned in about 40 different reports.

New Ulm Police Department began receiving reports of the thefts last Thursday evening. Items were taken from unlocked vehicles on the southwest end of town.

Stolen merchandise recovered Monday afternoon at a suspect's house included several car stereos, CDs, golf clubs, checkbooks and other personal items. Police estimate the value of the recovered items in the thousands.

Brown County Attorney James Olson said charges are pending against seven adults and three juveniles for the thefts. The charges, which could include felony charges of theft and receiving stolen property, will come as soon as police turn in reports from the investigation. Olson expects those reports soon.

"We've gone through other times where we've had a rash of thefts," said New Ulm Police Chief Erv Weinkauf. "Fortunately, we were able to collect good information," this time.

Police got a lead from one of the victims, who was able to give investigators a general description of the car and license plates used in the spree. Police then generated a possible suspect using that information, said Investigator Jeff Hohensee. The information about the suspect was the basis for the search warrant executed Monday afternoon, he said.

Weinkauf said the spree reinforces advice police have given to various individuals and groups on several occasions in the past. He said the thefts could have been prevented if more people locked their vehicles at night.

He said some people "have a misconception about this community ... that it's not going to happen here. Well, it does happen, it has happened and it can happen again."

Hohensee said police think the 10 people arrested Monday afternoon are connected to similar crimes in St. Peter and Mankato. He said police in those cities are also conducting searches for more stolen items.

Because of the large amount of evidence collected in the search, police are asking anyone who wants to claim a stolen item to wait until officers have finished making an inventory.