Bethel Park police make arrests in recent vehicle break-ins, thefts

Two men have been arrested in connection with recent vehicle break-ins in Bethel Park.

Charles Trout, 30, of Pittsburgh and Nicholas Ehrhart, 36, of Butler are charged with receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy, theft from a motor vehicle, criminal attempt, loitering and prowling at night and defiant trespass.

Charges stem from incidents in the Oakhurst neighborhood, specifically Graeser Avenue, Church Road, Greenwald Road and Carlton Road on Oct. 7.

Police said property was taken from several unlocked vehicles. No injuries were reported.

The men may not have been identified and subsequently apprehended as swiftly without the quick work of some residents, according to Detective Sean Gorman.

Gorman said a resident spotted Ehrhart on his property the night of the break-ins and contacted police.

Tips also began flooding in after a Crime Watch alert was posted on the department’s Facebook page.

“We received multiple videos from neighbors all over that area,” Gorman said. “It’s huge (to get video). In the past, we would have to go door-to-door-to-door canvassing. We still do in certain cases. … We put the alert out and we’re able to reach a lot of people a lot faster.

“With (us) having social media put alerts out, if a resident doesn’t see it, a friend does.”

Gorman said officers are working with other police departments to see if Ehrhart and/or Trout were involved with thefts from other communities.

Bethel Park police continue to investigate attempted vehicle break-ins early Oct. 18 along Hillard Road, Edwards Street and Morrow Place, and the early morning of Oct. 26 near the intersection of Broughton and Baptist roads.

Gorman said some things were stolen on Oct. 26, but residents reported no loss of items in connection with the Oct. 18 incidents.

Videos from both days were posted on the department’s page.

Anyone with information or other footage should contact police at 412-833-2000 or email crimewatch@bethelpark.net.

Gorman recommended that residents put away valuables and lock their cars to help prevent possible criminal opportunities.

“I think it’s just an easy crime of opportunity when people leave their cars unlocked,” he said, “(Criminals) know if they come to more affluent areas, it might be worth their while as evidenced by people leaving firearms in vehicles and other valuables.”