Teens charged in iPod thefts

The following press release was issued today by the Winchester Police Department:

Justin Allen Anderson, 19, of Tevis Street, Winchester, (shown at right) has been arrested and charged with three counts of grand larceny, one count of petit larceny, four counts of property damage, and one count of possession of burglary tools in connection with four incidents of larcenies from motor vehicles which occurred between Dec. 24, 2008 and Dec. 28.

On Dec. 24, Winchester Police responded to Peppertree Lane for a report of a vehicle that had been broken into, with entry being gained by breaking the passenger side window. Among some of the items taken was an iPod.

On Dec. 27, Winchester Police responded to two addresses on Sorrell Court for reports of vehicles that had been broken into, with entry being gained by breaking the passenger side windows. Two iPods were among the items taken.

On Dec. 28, at 2:47 a.m., Winchester Police responded to Saratoga Drive for a suspicious noise. Upon arrival, officers observed two males running in the area. One male was identified as Justin Allen Anderson; the other male was identified as a juvenile. During the encounter with the males, police learned that a vehicle on Saratoga Drive had been broken into and an iPod stolen. A hammer, believed to be the entry tool, was recovered from the juvenile. The iPod stolen from Saratoga Drive was also recovered. Further investigation led to the recovery of the remaining three iPods. Charges are pending against the juvenile.

Winchester Police remind residents that it is best to remove your valuables from your vehicle and keep them inside of your residence out of plain view.