GLENDALE, AZ — The Glendale Police Department has arrested multiple teenagers in connection to a string of vehicle and home burglaries throughout Glendale and Phoenix.
Officials say nearly 50 burglaries took place involving the same individuals and the acts were committed in a "very brazen manner."
During a news conference on Wednesday, Glendale police officials say they became aware of the situation after an incident on July 16.
Police say at around 2:30 a.m. near 59th Avenue and Deer Valley Road the suspects were seen wearing hoods and gloves and began walking around a neighborhood. They reportedly broke into a vehicle in a driveway, found a garage door opener, opened the garage, and stole items from inside.
Later at about 3 a.m., the same group of suspects were seen in a neighborhood near 75th Avenue and Utopia Road. Police say they broke into another vehicle, found a garage remote and gained access to the garage. During this incident, the suspects are accused of going into the home while a family was sleeping and stealing items.
On the same night around 4 a.m., police say the same group of suspects broke into a Phoenix home near 7th Avenue and Bell Road. While a family was inside sleeping the group stole several items before leaving.
Officials say in at least one case a resident woke up and scared the suspects away.
Investigators were able to track down the vehicle used, described as a silver BMW sedan. It was discovered the vehicle was stolen.
Through an investigation, police tracked down the stolen car and identified the suspects.
On August 14, Glendale police arrested four suspects, identified as a 14-year-old male, a 15-year-old male, a 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old female. On the same day, Phoenix police arrested a fifth suspect, identified as a 15-year-old male.
All of the teens are facing multiple charges, including residential burglary, theft of means of transportation, misconduct involving weapons, and more.
During the news conference, Glendale PD said during questioning one of the suspects admitted to having a gun during each of the burglaries and indicated he/she was prepared to use it if needed.
During a search warrant, police confiscated several stolen items including a firearm and an Xbox.
Officials are working to determine if this group of teens is connected to other burglaries throughout the Valley.
ABC15 is working to get more information on this developing story.
