$4,000 in stolen items recovered by police

A 17-year-old Niles boy is facing several charges related to the alleged theft of thousands of dollars worth of items from vehicles and garages in the Niles area over the past several months.

Randy George Rzanca, Jr., was arraigned last week in Berrien County Court on four felony counts, including home invasion, receiving and concealing stolen property over $1,000, delivery/manufacturing marijuana and maintaining a drug house.

Police said the property recovered included high-end bicycles, laptop computers, tablets and GPS units that were connected to more than 10 car and garage break-ins in the City of Niles, Niles Township and Howard Township since the beginning of summer.

Police Chief Jim Millin said the $4,000 worth of stolen property and about 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana were recovered at Rzanca’s place of residence in the 000 block of Marmont Street in Niles. Police learned of the location through interviews and investigation, Millin said.

They continue to investigate others who might have been involved.

“I am pretty confident that there will be other arrests made,” Millin said.

The owners of the stolen property have been contacted and made aware of the recovered items.

Police are encouraging anyone with information about the theft to contact the Niles Detective Bureau at (269) 683-0404. People can also make an anonymous tip by texting 274637 with the keyword “tipnilespd” or online at tipsoft.com.