Sikeston teen suspected of involvement in theft ring

SIKESTON, Mo. ­-- The arrest of a 17-year-old Sikeston resident may be the key to solving a string of local burglaries and vehicle thefts, the Standard Democrat newspaper reported.

Dylan Martin is charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of vehicle theft and two counts of stealing from a motor vehicle. He is being held in the Scott County Jail with bond set at $25,000 cash only.

However, Sgt. Jim McMillen with Sikeston Department of Public Safety said in a new release that more arrests are expected.

According to McMillen, over the past few weeks Sikeston Public Safety has taken several reports from Sikeston residents of vehicle thefts. Reportedly the vehicles targeted were in the center and northern portion of the city.

"Many of these complainants reported that someone had entered their vehicles stealing personal items and money. In nearly all cases the vehicles were parked in residential neighborhoods and left unlocked," he said.

Items taken included GPS units, cell phones and firearms, the officer said.

Det. John Blakely with Sikeston Public Safety's Criminal Investigation's Unit determined the crimes were the work of an "organized theft ring," according to McMillen. After two weeks of investigation and follow up, Blakely was led to Martin, who was arrested in Miner for a related offense.

After numerous interviews with the suspect and other subjects, DPS officials report at least eight subjects are suspected of being involved in the theft ring. From his investigation, the detective was able to clear three stolen vehicle cases, three burglaries and more than 35 larcenies from vehicles.

However, detectives are still investigating around 20 other larceny cases.

"Unfortunately, it is believed most of the valuable items were traded for drugs or money and will likely not be recovered," McMillen reported. "Theft cases such as these are likely to be on the rise as the economy remains in a slump. We ask that each of you to lock your vehicles when you leave them unattended and don't leave valuable items in your car."