Five cars stolen from Cedar Rapids dealership, recovered nearby

UPDATE: Multiple vehicles were stolen from a Cedar Rapids dealership for the second time in three months early Wednesday morning.

Five vehicles were stolen from Cedar Rapids Motor Works, 1820 Sixth St. SW, but all were recovered a couple blocks away. Owner Rachelle Albright said the culprits pried open a garage door and broke a lock to get inside.

Albright said she was woken up around 3 a.m. with news that the police were investigating the break-in. She said once the suspects got inside the office, they found keys for all of the vehicles in the lot.

“I feel lucky that we got them all back,” Albright said. “They could have done a lot more damage than they did.”

Police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said two cars, two vans and a sport-utility were recovered in the 600 block of 16th Avenue SW. She said police received tips around 3 a.m. that several teenagers in the area may stolen the vehicles, and also about a loud party at 640 16th Ave. SW. Police found keys stolen from the dealership there.

Hamblin said 19 people - mostly 16- and 17-year-olds - had been charged with crimes including disorderly house, disorderly conduct and interference with official acts. Investigators were still trying to determine who was involved with the car thefts.

“We don't know for sure how many people were involved,” Hamblin said. “There were keys outside and inside the residence."

Albright said she had not closely examined every vehicle that was taken, but did not see any obvious exterior damage. Change was also taken out of a vending machine in the office.

Three vehicles were stolen from the dealership in late April, but those, too, were recovered. After this latest break-in, Albright said she plans to invest in a surveillance system.

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