East Providence Police crack alleged area auto parts theft ring

Dozens of new tires and rims found inside local business building

Posted 4/1/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Police investigators appear to have cracked an area automobile parts theft ring.

Tipped off by other city public safety officials, EPPD personnel seized an …

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East Providence Police crack alleged area auto parts theft ring

Dozens of new tires and rims found inside local business building

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — East Providence Police investigators appear to have cracked an area automobile parts theft ring.

Tipped off by other city public safety officials, EPPD personnel seized an estimated $80,000 worth of stolen rims and tires from a business located at 912 Broadway. According to the EPPD, there are persons of interest in the case, but no arrests have been made as of Monday, April 1. Evidence led local investigators to consider the robberies to have taken place across region. EPPD detectives are coordinating the investigation with other departments across Southern New England.

Events unfolded on Sunday, March 31, when at approximately 5 a.m., East Providence Fire Department responded to an alarm at the 912 Broadway location, a strip-mall type structure which houses both a cell phone business and an auto parts store.

While on scene, personnel noticed several building code violations and next notified the city’s Fire Marshal Office. The violations were also subsequently confirmed the city’s Building Inspector. The two authorities, at that point, ordered the structure closed for safety and building infractions.

During their walk-through inspection of the property, the officials noticed a significant amount of tires and rims stored in two garage bays located behind the cell phone operation. It was then, the EPPD was notified.

Police officers, including detectives, found an ample array of tires and rims, many of which appeared to new. EPPD detectives conducted several interviews with people associated with the property, leading to a search warrant being sought. Once executed, the warrant led investigators to seize more than 150 tires and rims as well as other associated evidence.

People who have been the victims of tire and rims thefts are urged to contact their local police department. Only those who have had their possessions stolen in city should call the East Providence Police. All departments involved will be coordinating on the case.

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