LISBON FALLS, Maine — Two teens are accused of breaking into 40 to 50 cars in Lisbon Falls during an overnight crime spree.
Lisbon police said they received multiple complaints of burglary and thefts from vehicles that took place on Plummer, Pleasant and Center streets in Lisbon Falls during the overnight hours of May 9 and 10.
Police said it appeared the items taken from vehicles consisted mostly of loose change, knives, flashlights and GPS units that had been left in the unlocked vehicles while parked in the driveways of the owner’s residences.
On May 10, Officer Ellen Stewart was called to investigate a suspicious vehicle at Miller’s Variety in Lisbon Falls. When she arrived she discovered a pickup truck that was disabled at the fuel pumps and located two teenage boys from a neighboring town behind the store.
Police said the two teens were found handcuffed together. They said the handcuffs used by the teens had been stolen from one of the recently burglarized vehicles.
Police said the pickup truck had been taken without permission from a family friend of one of the teens. The owner of the truck did not wish to pursue charges.
During a follow-up investigation, other stolen items from the overnight crime spree were located in possession of the teens or discarded in the area of the store where the two were located.
Police said there is no connection between the teens and the recently publicized Felony Lane Gang, who have been reported to recruit local subjects in an attempt to steal from vehicles in order to obtain personal information for purposes of creating false identifications.
Charges are pending against the two teens involved. It is believed that up to as many as 40 to 50 vehicles were entered during the spree.
Lisbon police want to hear from anyone who may have had their vehicle broken into during the time and dates of the incident described, because there are several items that have been recovered and that may not have been reported missing by the owners yet.
Police are reminding residents to keep their vehicles locked, with valuable items out of sight, even while parked in your own driveway.
Contact Lisbon police Detective Richard St. Amant or Officer Ellen Stewart regarding this investigation at 353-2500.