Observant neighbor helps stop suspected theft ring

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- An observant neighbor is being credited with helping bust a theft ring in north Harris County.

Uniformed Precinct 4 deputies moved everything from heavy equipment to small tools during the operation.

"From power tools to TVs, lawn equipment, I think there was even a Coke machine stolen," said Chief Mark Herman with Precinct 4.

It was part of a two-day operation that started Sunday in Glenloch with a burglary call. An observant neighbor got a license plate number and likely had no idea that he was leading investigators to a scene they now say may help crack dozens of burglary cases in two counties.

A mobile home on Willow Path near Willow Bough seemed to have an almost endless supply of power washers, air compressors, weed eaters and chainsaws. There were inside good, too, like computers and other electronics.

Deputies finished off the first day by towing off a stolen car.

And when they went back Monday with guns drawn and a K-9, they found a second stolen car that wasn't there the day before. One man was questioned and handcuffed on the scene.

"We'll be putting the puzzle together, so to speak, and presenting more charges to our DA," said Chief Herman.

Just how many victims and how much is all the stolen loot worth? That will be part of the puzzle.

As they pulled away with county trailers full of goods, the handcuffed man was hauled straight to jail.