Three charged in burglary and vandalism spree in Lake Villa

An early morning crime spree that included stealing a car and smashing at least 20 mailboxes in Lake Villa on Saturday has landed an adult and two juveniles in jail, police said.

Lake Villa Police have charged Brian K. Goebelt, 18, of the 21000 block of West Engle Drive in Lake Villa Township, with burglary to a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle, both felonies. Two juveniles face similar charges and a fourth suspect is being sought, said Lake Villa Police Chief Ron Roth.

Investigators said the four drove through various Lake Villa neighborhoods between midnight and 4:30 a.m. looking for unlocked cars. They stole an undetermined number of items from those cars before finding one with the keys inside, Roth said.

Roth said the four stole that car, then smashed at least 20 mailboxes before abandoning the car and running from the scene.

"The offenders admitted this was done out of boredom and became exciting," Roth said.

Additional charges may be coming from neighboring towns, Roth said.

Roth credits quick and professional investigative techniques on the part of his officers for the arrests.

"Our officers took fingerprints from the car and also followed footprints in the snow for at least a half-mile before ending up at Goebelt's house," Roth said. "This was a real team effort and I'm proud of their work."

Goebelt is being held in Lake County jail on $2,000 bond. His court date is Jan. 7.