Teens connected to 36 cases in package theft investigation

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - UPDATE: 12-8-17 Two Lincoln teens, who are facing felony theft charges for stealing packages off porches, have now been connected to 36 cases. Matthew Krahmer, 19, and Joel Hubka, 19, were arrested earlier in the week after a neighbor called in a suspicious vehicle. If you think you've been impacted, contact Lincoln Police at (402) 441-6000. Investigators hope to match all of the recovered items with their owners by Christmas. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ORIGINAL STORY: 12-4-17 Lincoln Police said officers arrested two people who they believe were stealing packages off of people's porches in south Lincoln. Captain Robert Farber told 10/11 NOW Matthew Krahmer, 19, and Joel Hubka, 19, both of Lincoln were arrested on felony theft charges related to the investigation. Police said they are linked to at least five known theft cases, but believe there could be more. Farber said police were initially dispatched to Helen Witt Drive on a report of a suspicious vehicle driving slow in the neighborhood. The caller was able to give dispatch a good description of the car along with a license plate number. The caller told police it appeared the people inside the car were looking at packages on porches of homes. Farber said while the caller was still on the line with dispatch, the person saw a passenger get out, take a package off of a porch and get back in the car. That's when the caller told dispatch they noticed it looked like the backseat of the car was full of packages. After responding to the neighborhood, officers were able to find the vehicle a short time later and then took the two men into custody. Through an initial investigation officers were able to determine the car was full of stolen items that had been taken off porches. As of late Monday night, police said officers had determined five homes that were affected, but LPD expects the number of people affected to grow. Farber said officers have not yet been able to match up items with specific owners yet because boxes are not intact with items and owners names or information. Of the five addresses police say are affected, four range between 14th to 27th Street and Pine Lake to Yankee Hill Road. One is northwest of 27th and Pine Lake Road. Police expected officers to be investigating throughout much of the night. Farber added they have no idea the extent of the dollar loss yet, but he expected it to be a significant case. Anyone who is missing a package or believe they may have been affected, contact Lincoln Police at (402) 441-6000.
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