OKLAHOMA CITY — An anonymous tip and some quick police work help solve a string of burglaries here in the metro.
The accused thieves targeted close to a half-dozen homes all over Oklahoma City.
Police said they caught the alleged crooks red-handed.
Inside the suspect’s apartment, investigators found a treasure trove of stolen items.
The crime spree started in the parking lot at May Ave. and Britton Rd.
That’s where a van was stolen last weekend.
The van was then used in a series of thefts.
“When somebody breaks into your home, you feel violated,” one victim said.
That victim didn’t want to be identified.
He has now boarded up his front door after the thieves kicked it down and searched his home.
“They went through the house and took jewelry,” the victim said.
“This appears to be some type of a string of burglaries going on,” Oklahoma City police MSgt. Gary Knight said.
In fact, in addition to that victim’s home on N.W. 27th St., another home on N.W. 44th St. was hit, along with several others.
That ended when a witness at an apartment complex on N.W. 51st St. called police.
According to police reports, the alleged crooks were caught at their apartment with several televisions, a camera and unique items like a tea set, several lady’s watches, necklaces, a wedding band and class rings from the 1960s.
The suspects are brothers, Joshua and Jeremy Mielenz, as well as Amanda Austin
Police are happy the trio had their alleged crime spree halted.
“Anytime officers can get somebody under arrest and solve the string of burglaries, it’s certainly a good thing,” Knight said.
“I’m glad they’re off the streets. They could’ve hurt somebody. I’m glad they’re off the street and justice will be served I hope,” the unnamed victim said.
The suspects each face several counts of burglary and concealing stolen property.
One of the brothers has only been out of prison for 6 months after serving time for a different theft case.