More charges in Cedar Rapids burglary; police offering property ID tool

Two brothers face more charges after they were caught burglarizing a home in Cedar Rapids on Monday, police said.

Benjamin Walker, 20, of 384 15th St. SE, and Joshua Bradshaw, Sr., 23, no known address, are now charged with three counts of third-degree burglary. The additional count was filed Wednesday after the owner of a TV was located, police said.

Walker and Bradshaw were arrested Monday after they burglarized a home at 2036 Bever Ave. SE. Two TVs, two video game systems and seven games were found inside a getaway vehicle occupied by Walker.

Police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said officers connected the last TV to its rightful owner through the use of a serial number. It had been taken from another residence nearby, Hamblin said.

Hamblin said electronics are often targeted by burglars, and this year is no exception in Cedar Rapids. But it is nearly impossible to return the property to the rightful owner without a serial number or a unique identifier. Hamblin said it is a good idea to keep a list of serial numbers, and even pictures of your property, in a secure place.

Residents can also obtain a unique Operation ID number from the police Crime Prevention Bureau. The number can be engraved or written on the property with an invisible marker sold by the Police Department for $5. To get a number, call (319) 286-5440.