Auburn police solve brazen theft of 16 cars from Route 20 lot

• Posted by The Burbs (Sponsor: North End Motor Sales) December 10, 2023 - Filed in News - #Auburn  #Auburn Police Department  #Mass. State Police  #Route 20  - 13,694 views

  AUBURN - In a remarkable display of swift police work, the Auburn Police Department successfully recovered all 16 stolen vehicles within 36 hours of their theft from a local business on Route 20.

  The incident unfolded on Thursday morning, December 7th when Auburn P.D. responded to a report of an overnight burglary at a business. Thieves had brazenly stolen 16 vehicles, including a 2022 Cadillac CT4, during the early morning hours. The culprits cut through 2 sections of fence and used a large vehicle to breach a secure gate to make their escape.

  Auburn detectives collaborated closely with the business's management and security personnel to employ various methods to locate the stolen vehicles.

  By 4 p.m. Thursday, the detectives achieved a major breakthrough, recovering 3 of the stolen vehicles hidden in Auburn, and 9 more in a parking lot in Natick, with an additional vehicle discovered in South Boston. The Bureau of Criminal Identification unit processed the recovered vehicles, while detectives interviewed more than 17 individuals and cooperated with other law enforcement agencies.

  Later that night, at around 8, law enforcement received a tip that the 2022 Cadillac, one of the stolen vehicles, was spotted traveling on the Mass Pike near Natick. State Police from the Weston barracks swiftly responded, managing to intercept the stolen vehicle and apprehend 3 suspects. One of the suspects attempted to evade arrest but was swiftly captured.

  Auburn detectives joined their counterparts at the Weston Barracks to continue the investigation, and by midnight, they had gathered substantial evidence linking the 3 arrested men to several of the stolen motor vehicles.

  As of 5:45 p.m. Friday, December 8th, less than 36 hours after the initial theft was reported, Auburn police had recovered all 16 stolen cars.

  The 3 men involved in the vehicle apprehension on Thursday night face charges from the State Police, including receiving a stolen motor vehicle and other offenses. Their identities and bail amounts are as follows:

  • Mohamed Abbas, 23, of Boston (vehicle operator), is held on $25,000 cash bail.
  • Hamza Jeilani, 23, of Boston, is held on $15,000 cash bail.
  • Musab Mandar, 21, of Boston, is held on $15,000 cash bail.

  These individuals are expected to face additional charges from the Auburn Police Department as the investigation progresses, underscoring the commitment of local law enforcement to swiftly resolve this case and bring those responsible to justice.

  Auburn Police Department's full press release is here.