More than a dozen auto burglaries reported in northern Santa Cruz County

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said they’ve identified multiple suspects believed to be responsible for more than a dozen car break ins.

Over the past month, deputies have received 18 reports of auto burglaries on the north coast of Santa Cruz County.

“Many of the burglaries were accomplished by a window being broken and personal property stolen,” said Sgt. Brian Cleveland.

Some of the more common items taken were wallets, purses, backpacks and electronics.

On May 11, detectives found Salinas residents 41-year-old Ronald Dillon and 27-year-old Elizabeth Chandler driving through Santa Cruz towards the north coast. Detectives stopped and arrested Chandler and Dillon for their involvement in the auto burglaries.

During a search of the vehicle, detectives found stolen property, burglary tools and drug paraphernalia.

Both Dillon and Chandler were arrested and charged with multiple counts of auto burglary, fraudulent use of credit cards, stolen property and drug related charges.

Sgt. Cleveland said Chandler and Dillon were linked to more than six car burglaries around the county.