CAMBRIDGE – The Cambridge Police Department (CPD) is investigating a rash of vehicle thefts that occurred overnight from Feb. 27-28.

On Feb. 27, at approximately 10:35 p.m., CPD units were dispatched to the 200 block of Somerset Avenue area for a report of a suspicious white work van. Upon the officers’ arrival, the vehicle was gone. Officers canvased the area to locate the vehicle.

On Feb. 28, at approximately 12:19 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Baycraft Court in reference to a report of suspicious subjects. Video footage depicted approximately five juveniles on the property.

The victim opened his front door and observed two of the subjects attempting to gain entry into the victim’s vehicle by pulling on door handles. The victim yelled at the subjects who all then departed from the area on foot in different directions.

Officers continued to search for the suspicious vehicle and the juveniles involved. At approximately 1:35 a.m., they observed four vehicles traveling at high speed, heading north in the 5200 block of Woods Road. An officer observed the following vehicles:

• Light Blue Chrysler Town and Country Van
• Green GMC Sierra Truck
• White Work Van
• Dark Volvo

As the vehicles approached the traffic circle on Woods Road at Route 16, they split up. The officer followed the white work van and Volvo.

The vehicles continued on Rt. 16 towards Rt. 50, then turned onto Chesapeake Street and increased speeds. Officers attempted to conduct traffic stops on the vehicles, which fled.

The Volvo passed the van and fled on Rt. 16 towards Church Creek. Officers continued pursuit of the work van, which traveled down Rt. 16 making a right on Chesapeake Drive, then on Bayly Road towards Mace’s Lane.

Officers were able to get the van to stop on Mace’s Lane at Washington St where a 15-year-old male juvenile from Cambridge was arrested. The van was found to have been stolen from the 100 block of Oyster Catcher Court.

The juvenile was transported to CPD for processing. He was later released to a guardian and referred to the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) on Motor Vehicle Theft and multiple traffic violations. In addition, the juvenile was in violation of the City of Cambridge curfew ordinance.

At approximately 5:39 a.m., officers responded to the 2600 block of Lance Drive for a reported motor vehicle theft. Through investigations and reports, it was learned that there were two vehicles stolen from this neighborhood, which were the light blue Chrysler Town and Country van and the green GMC Sierra truck. Both vehicles were observed by the officer earlier, travelling with the stolen white van.

At approximately 7:23 a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Regulator Drive South for a motor vehicle theft. This vehicle was reported to have been the dark colored Volvo that the officers had observed earlier traveling with the other stolen vehicle. Surveillance video showed 4 subjects who had been in the area pulling on door handles.

At approximately 7:51 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Caribbean Avenue in reference to the green GMC Sierra truck being located.

In addition to these stolen vehicles, CPD officers took multiple calls and reports for damage to vehicles and vehicles that had been gone through in multiple neighborhoods throughout the city. Investigation revealed that all four of the vehicles that were stolen had their keys left inside.

This is an ongoing investigation, in which further arrests and charges are pending. The Cambridge Police Department is requesting assistance from the community with any information relating to the identities of the subjects involved.

A video of the suspects involved can be found on the CPD’s Facebook page. All callers can remain anonymous. Contact the Cambridge Police Department at 410-228-3333.