Perinton, New York — Authorities in Monroe County say five suspects are now in custody after a massive overnight string of vehicle break-ins that targeted more than 100 cars across Fairport, Perinton, and Penfield early Thursday morning.
According to deputies, one of the most heavily hit locations was the Fairport Apartments on Whitney Road East, where residents woke up to discover smashed windows, rummaged interiors, and missing personal items. Witnesses counted at least two dozen vehicles damaged at that complex alone.
Reports Begin Around 4 A.M.; Pursuit Ends in Crash
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says the first calls for service came in around 4 a.m., when multiple residents reported larcenies from their vehicles.
During the investigation, deputies spotted a vehicle believed to be involved and attempted to stop it. The suspects fled, prompting a brief pursuit that ended when the vehicle crashed near Green Ridge Road and Green Valley Road in Perinton.
All occupants were taken into custody following the crash, according to the reports by WHEC.
Loaded Handgun Among Stolen Items
Deputies revealed that one of the items stolen during the overnight break-ins was a loaded handgun. Officers recovered the weapon in a wooded area after one suspect reportedly discarded it while fleeing.
Officials have not released a full list of stolen property, but several victims told reporters that the thieves appeared to be targeting vehicles at random, often taking only loose change or small items of little value.
Residents Frustrated, Seniors Impacted
Among those affected was Linda Sahs-Laird, a resident at the apartment complex, who said her registration and insurance card were taken from her car.
“It’s just awful,” she said. “These are seniors that live here. I use a walker, and I have surgery on December 1. I needed to go to the store today and get things ready. Instead, I’m dealing with insurance companies and filing police reports. It made me cry.”
Other residents expressed frustration about the scale of the damage and the vulnerability of the neighborhood.
Deputies Urge Residents to Remove Valuables
Deputy Dave Marcucci reminded the community to avoid leaving anything valuable inside their vehicles, emphasizing that even small items can attract thieves.
“Lock your car, remove valuables, and stay alert,” Marcucci advised. “Taking that extra step can prevent becoming a victim.”
Officials Believe All Suspects Are in Custody
Sheriff’s deputies say they currently believe all individuals involved in the break-ins have been arrested and confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Authorities are continuing to interview victims, collect surveillance footage, and determine whether the suspects were connected to other recent vehicle theft incidents in the region.
More information — including the suspects’ names, ages, and charges — is expected to be released after processing and formal arraignments.
Residents in the affected neighborhoods say they hope the arrests mark the end of what has been a concerning pattern of late-night car crimes in the area.
Do you think punishments for car break-ins should be tougher? What should communities do to prevent large-scale vehicle theft sprees?
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