ROCKPORT — A 16 year-old Rockport male has been charged with 40 to 50 counts of burglary of motor vehicles in both Camden and Rockport over the past 10 days. The teen confessed to all of the reported incidents that occurred July 6 in Rockport, and July 11 in Camden, said Camden Detective Curt Andrick.

Andrick said July 12 that the suspect had been identified by eyewitnesses, and through evidence, but declined to elaborate on how the young man became a suspect. Andrick said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be pending.

The detective said the teen confessed to the offenses during an interview with Andrick. The teen’s parents were also at the interview, said Andrick.

The offenses were first reported in the middle of the night July 6, when residents and a business owner reported suspicious activity, alarms and break-ins in cars and at least one home in the Main Street, Mistic Ave., Seaport Ave., and Camrock Drive neighborhood of Rockport.

At least six homeowners reported open car doors and open cabs during the day July 7.

On Tuesday, July 12, at least 10 similar calls were made to Camden Police Department reporting car break-ins along Pearl Street in Camden that happened overnight.

The vehicles in both related incidents, according to Rockport and Camden police, were unlocked.

Andrick said little was stolen from the vehicles, other than small amounts of cash, but stressed that the investigation remained opened and more charges may be pending.

He said there was no recovery of any stolen property.

Because the suspect is a juvenile, he has been referred to a Knox County probation officer and the juvenile court.

Investigation of the case began with Rockport police but evolved to include the Camden detective on July 2, when Camden and Rockport officially embarked on a six-month historical experiment to collaborate more closely as police departments.

On July 12, Camden police officers were sworn in by Rockport Town Clerk Linda Greenlaw to serve in Rockport, and Rockport police officers were sworn in by Camden Town Clerk Katrina Oakes to serve in Camden.

This means that officers from both departments have the jurisdiction to cover complaints and incidents in either town. The move to combine the town police departments, both via leadership and mutual aid, is a temporary one that expires in six months, giving Rockport time to determine the future of its four-officer police department.

Related stories:

• Camden Police, neighbors now dealing with rash of overnight car burglaries

• UPDATE: Rockport Main Street, Mistic neighborhood hit by overnight house and car break-ins

• Terms of agreement: Camden, Rockport to decide on sharing police chief cost, services

• Rockport says farewell to police chief with spirit, heart and soul

 Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657