By Lori Ehde
Five juvenile boys from Luverne have been arrested in connection with a rash of automobile break-ins earlier this month.
Countywide, Sheriff Ron McClure said there were roughly 30 reports of thefts from vehicles during the first two weeks of August.
According to the dispatch log, items stolen were mostly CDs and related equipment, such as CD players and CD holders.
Considering individual CDs are worth nearly $15 McClure said a stolen collection adds up to a sizeable loss.
The total value of the items stolen during the spree exceeds $1,000.
It would seem obvious, but McClure is advising residents to lock their car doors.
"Don't leave your car doors unlocked with stuff on the front seat. People are making it too easy," McClure said. "The kids are just walking by and helping themselves."
He said some of the thefts, including one in Beaver Creek, occurred in vehicles parked in garages.
"It doesn't do any good to put your car in the garage if you're not going to lock the doors or lock the garage," McClure said.
According to the Rock County Attorney's Office, the boys, ranging in age from 12 to 16, all face felony theft charges.
Five juvenile petitions were filed Wednesday against the boys, some of whom have prior juvenile delinquency records.
If found guilty, penalties can range from probation and community service to time served in a secure detention facility or treatment program.