ROCKLAND – A Rockland man was arrested March 25 and police believe he is allegedly connected to several recent motor vehicle burglaries in Rockland.

Anthony Bates, 56, was charged by police with burglary of a motor vehicle and theft, according to a news release from Rockland Police Chief Chris Young.

After Bates was arrested he was transported to the Knox County Jail. He was later released on $500 unsecured bail.

Detective Alex Gaylor confirmed March 25 that the department has received approximately nine reports since Jan. 1 from citizens about break-ins to their cars.

All of the vehicles burglarized were unlocked.

Gaylor said the thefts have mostly occurred in the Talbot Avenue residential area of Rockland. The vehicles involved were not vandalized and windows were not smashed during the incidents.

The thefts are typically occurring at night and only “light change” has been stolen from the vehicles and not any electronics, according to the detective.

Police have stated in a previous news release that they are encouraging citizens to lock their vehicles when unattended and to contact them anytime they witness what they believe to be a crime occurring, including someone trying to enter cars illegally.

They also said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely.

"Public safety is a community wide effort and citizen cooperation was a key part of this investigation," police said.

Related story:

https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/rockland-police-warn-public-vehicle-thefts/130810

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com