Three teenagers have been arrested for allegedly breaking into several unlocked cars in Bethlehem Township last week and stealing a total of more than $500, Bethlehem Township police said Sunday.
The boys—two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old—were apprehended Wednesday morning after employees at the Giant supermarket on Easton Avenue alerted police that they boys were using the coin counting machine at the store, said Sgt. Daryl LaPointe. The employees had recognized them as coming to the store often during the summer to use the machine, he said.
LaPointe said one of the boys told police they had broken into 30 to 40 cars in the township and the City of Bethlehem, but township police had received only 10 reports of break-ins Tuesday and Wednesday.
In one case, one of the boys allegedly retrieved a garage door opener and stole from another car in the garage.
In late August, township police, on their Facebook page, had recommended residents keep their car doors locked, following a rash of break-ins, many south of Easton Avenue, in the late night hours.
LaPointe said Sunday it's possible that several groups could be operating in the township. The investigation is continuing.
The 16-year-olds were released to their parents. The 17-year-old, on probation for a similar prior offense, was sent to the Northampton County Juvenile Detention Center.
LaPointe said police recovered coins, ashtrays and coin holders.
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