Four Juveniles Arrested on Theft, Burglary Charges

Four male juveniles have been charged with multiple counts of theft and burglary in connection with a string of crimes committed within Effingham County.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the crimes primarily occurred in the Rolling Hills neighborhood of Effingham and around the village of Watson. Kibler said the offenses occurred during July. More than a dozen vehicles were burglarized in Rolling Hills on the night of July 5. Numerous sheds and outbuildings around Watson were burglarized during July.

Kibler said, "We believe these juveniles were responsible for at least 20 thefts and burglaries during the month of July alone. This was a massive crime spree. I appreciate the public's patience during the period of investigation, and we will now bring these juveniles to justice."

All four juveniles have made their initial court appearances. 

Kibler said the arrests of the juveniles were the result of a joint investigation involving the Effingham City Police Department and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department.

Kibler said, "Since all of the suspects are juveniles, I am limited in what information can be released, however, I promise that this situtation has been a major focus of law enforcement in the area and we have already noticed a decrease in the number of property crimes."