The investigation into a string of more than 35 burglaries continues to grow as investigators look at additional suspects and new cases.
Two men have been arrested so far in burglaries of residential construction sites. The most recent arrest occurred Friday night after Sandy and South Jordan investigators found more stolen property at the home of a Salt Lake County man.The case began to unravel about a week ago when South Jordan police responded to a burglar alarm at a model home. When police arrived, the burglars were gone, but witnesses described a large van-like vehicle that had been in the area at the time.
The vehicle was spotted by a Sandy police officer in that city, and she noticed a man unloading property. She called for backup, and when the officers tried to approach the man, he ran from them. He eluded police for two days but was arrested March 31.
Sandy police officer Tim Burhowe said the man they arrested last month owned a siding business in Sandy.
"He'd prostitute his business during the day and did his window-shopping," Burhowe said. "Then he'd come back at night and pick up what he wanted."
Since that arrest detectives in Sandy, South Jordan and Salt Lake County have linked the man to at least 35 burglaries. Investigators in Summit County believe he may be connected to some similar burglaries there, Burhowe said.
The man arrested Friday was charged with possession of stolen property. Burhowe said investigators aren't sure if he participated in the burglaries or just warehoused some of the stolen property. Police say the first man had to have some help stealing some of the items like a jet tub, a furnace, 31 bundles of wood flooring material and two lion statuettes.
Burhowe said the thefts have been occurring since early last year, and police expect to link more burglaries to the men. Additional arrests are expected before the case is closed. Police haven't determined the value of all the recovered property yet, but Burhowe estimates it is worth between $100,000 and $250,000 so far.