Rash Of Vehicle Break-Ins In Tiverton

At least 21 vehicle break-ins, costing Tiverton residents thousands in lost property have been reported since June 1, according to police.

According to Lt. Patrick Jones, the majority of the thefts ocurred at night and in cars that were left unlocked.

"We want to remind people to lock the doors of their vehicles, remove any valuables, and report any suspicious activity," said Jones, public information officer with .

Car owners have reported items from GPS units to Ipods, digital cameras and computer tablets missing.

Police arrested a 23-year-old Carver, MA man on Saturday, July 14 at 7:07 p.m. after stopping the car he was driving because he was not wearing a safety belt.

Jared Sheldon, of 23 Marks Way, Carver, MA was taken into custody because a subsequent computer check showed that his license was suspended. When police were conducting an inventory search of the vehicle, they found a backpack containing three GPS units, two Ipods, a video recorder and a computer tablet.

According to Jones, all the recovered items were found to be stolen from Tiverton residents' unlocked vehicles within the last 24 hours. The items will be returned to the owners.

Sheldon was charged with two counts of receiveing stolen goods along with several felony drug charges.

Jones said there were also two instances of cars being stolen in the first two weeks of June.