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“We have had a string of them for the last few months,” he said. “We have all worked pretty hard.”
Chief Land said there are three different rings operating in the Ringgold area, and members do not appear to know each other or be working together.
Members of all three groups have been arrested and charged with various offenses relating to the thefts.
Ringgold Police Department has arrested members of two burglary rings, including Christopher Anthony Johnson, 20, on charges of entering an automobile and burglary, and Jack Dewayne Alford, 22, on two charges of entering an automobile. Two minors from another local ring were also arrested. The arrests have resulted in the recovery of thousands of dollars in stolen property.
Officer John David Gass said the Chattanooga Police Department arrested members of the third ring.
“The subjects arrested in Chattanooga are believed to be linked to incidents in Ringgold where pocketbooks were taken at local daycares,” Gass said.
According to Gass, the thefts have occurred at area motels and businesses as well.
Gass said other things taken include radio and stereo equipment, CDs and amps.
“People need to be cautious,” he said.
Chief Charles Land commended his officers on their diligence.
“It’s finally coming together,” he said. “After being plagued with these burglaries and automobile break-ins for weeks, Officers Gass and W.R. Dycus have worked numerous hours with me to investigate these crimes which has led our department to four arrests and the recovery of stolen property. With these arrests, it should drastically reduce crime in Ringgold for a while.”
Land cautioned area residents to get in the habit of locking their cars.
“People are leaving their valuables in plain sight inside their cars,” Land said. “People are leaving cars unlocked. You just cannot do that these days.”
Land said more arrests are expected soon
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