Man Arrested for Sparks Burglaries

Sparks Police have a man in custody, that they believe is responsible for multiple burglaries. Justin Tait, 36, was arrested after a car break-in at Fitness For 10, near the Outlets of Sparks. 

Surveillance cameras recorded a man on a bicycle, breaking a car's window, and stealing a bag. The bag had several items including two loaded pistol magazines.

Detectives believe that man was Tait.

"They have information and evidence, leading them to suspect that this person is responsible for those other residential burglaries, as well," Officer Ken Gallop, Sparks Police Department said.

Tait is charged with possession of stolen property, possession of a stolen vehicle, residential burglary and vehicle burglary. Gallop says burglaries, robberies and grand theft autos are the police department's biggest priorities. 

Since a small percentage of the population commits these types of crimes, one arrest can help solve many cases.

"When we locate and identify and can apprehend an individual like this, or persons like this, responsible for these multitude of cases that affect so many, it's a win for us and a win for our community," Gallop said.

Gallop says some break-ins are unavoidable, like when a burglar busts a window to gain access to a home or car. He says there are ways to make your property less enticing though, including locking the doors and keeping all items out of sight.  

Jennifer Neri says she has a routine, every time she parks her car, including the use of a windshield visor.

"I put up all my windows and then I lock my doors and put the thing on my windshield and put away anything like my wallet or take it with me," Neri said.

Antoine Allen says being aware of your surroundings can also prevent car burglaries.

"I always park in good lighting," Allen said. "I always circle the area before I do park, just in case there's people lurking around."

Allen says it is up to the community to look out for each other, including reporting suspicious activity. 

Those words were echoed by Officer Gallop.

"Anytime you see suspicious activity, whether it's in your neighborhood, at your gym, outside of a shopping center, if you see something that doesn't look right, take the time to make the call to police," Gallop said. "Maybe somebody is peering into vehicles, one after the other. Maybe they're trying vehicle doors. That's something I would encourage people to call."