Peoria police say they have arrested a man believed to be responsible for a “multitude” of vehicle burglaries.
William Lear, 49, was arrested Thursday morning without incident inside an address in the 1000 block of S. Shelley. Lear has been booked in the Peoria County Jail on 95 counts of vehicle burglaries.
The arrest came after officers responded to a report of 14 vehicle burglaries at 1 Edmond Street and a second report of 22 people burglaries in the 2900 block of SW Washington Street.
Police say all 36 burglaries were completed with forced entry into the vehicles resulting in significant property loss from damage.
Detectives were able to identify Lear and the suspect. Peoria Police Lt. Mike Boland said it’s believed Lear was responsible for a number of vehicle burglaries throughout South Peoria in recent weeks.
Lear is also arrested on related charges of criminal damage to property and criminal trespass to land.
An investigation continues.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Peoria Police Department (309-673-4521) or Crime Stoppers anonymously (309-673-9000).
