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The Daily World

Two charged in car break-ins

Stolen items found through Leads Online leads to arrests

By William Johnson

September 3, 2010

Louisiana — Opelousas police have arrested two suspects they believe are behind a string of burglaries from vehicles in the Opelousas and Lafayette area.

Currently being held in the Opelousas City Jail are:

Blaise Krilla, 17, 507 Laurent St., Opelousas, charged with two counts of theft from the interior of an automobile; and

Casey Best, 20, 400 Wood Ave., Apt. 208B, Lafayette, charged with two counts of possession of stolen items.

In addition to the car burglaries, Opelousas Police Chief Perry Gallow said Best is wanted on a warrant for simple robbery in Lafayette Parish and has an outstanding bench warrant from the Opelousas City Court.

While charged with thefts from two vehicles at this point, Gallow said items found in the possession of the suspects indicate the pair may be behind a large number of similar car burglaries throughout the region.

"Numerous items have been recovered as a result this investigation, including electronic devices, tools, CDs and DVDs," Gallow said.

Some of these items have been linked to known car burglaries, Gallow said. Police have recovered other items as well.

Gallow said anyone who has had their vehicle broken into in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish or Lafayette in the past six to eight months can contact his department's Special Operations Section and arrange to view the recovered items. Proof of ownership is required.

Gallow said at least part of credit for the break in the string of burglaries goes to a new investigative tool known as "Leads Online."

"That program allows officers to access the inventory of participating pawn shops and check for items that have been reported stolen," Gallow said. "We have very good participation from our local pawn shops."

In this this case, officers were able to find a stolen item through the LeadsOnline program, which led to the arrests, Gallow said.

For more information on LeadsOnline call (800) 311-2656