Alert Neighbor Helps Thwart Teen Burglars

Alert Neighbor Helps Thwart Teen Burglars


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Sandra Yi ReportingJohn Swenson: "They were going door to door knocking. When they saw no one home, they went around back, and broke our glass door down."

Four teenagers on the prowl are caught in the act after an alert neighbor calls police. Police got to the home in time to nab the suspects. It happened this morning in the neighborhood of 3700 West and 5700 South, in Taylorsville.

Alert Neighbor Helps Thwart Teen Burglars

The homeowner has his neighbor to thank. When the neighbor saw four teenagers break into that home, she called police right away.

John Swenson, Homeowner: "I really wish I would have known they were coming cause I'd have cleaned the house up."

Homeowner John Swenson made light of the situation.

John Swenson: "The fact that they'd go in with a messy kitchen, I really feel violated."

Alert Neighbor Helps Thwart Teen Burglars

He was sarcastic but grateful the burglars didn't get away with much. In fact, they were stopped in their tracks.

Sgt. Rosie Rivera, Taylorsville Police Dept.: "A neighbor called in and said she saw some males go into her neighbor's home."

When police arrived, they heard a commotion at the house.

Rosie Rivera: "They did spot four males running from that home."

The teens ran, knocking down the back fence. Then they got into a getaway van. But their escape was cut short; officers caught up to them several streets away.

Alert Neighbor Helps Thwart Teen Burglars

The teens had a B-B gun, ammunition, stolen credit cards and a stolen wallet. Police say all of it belongs to the victim. What happened made him think twice about security.

John Swenson: "Just a few days ago, I had some ADT people come by trying to sell me a security system and I said no. Now I'm wishing I'd gone the other way."

The teens, ages 15 to 17, are in custody. Police say they are all known gang members and they have an extensive criminal history, which includes violent crimes.

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