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IMPD: Serial burglar targeting Fountain Square caught

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — People in an Indianapolis neighborhood are resting a little bit easier after police caught a burglary suspect.

Investigators think he’s connected to several home break-ins. Most of them happened in Fountain Square or around Indy’s near southeast side. Six happened in one week within a two block stretch on Fletcher Avenue. Neighbors were getting worried it would never end. Now, they’re just hoping it has thanks to his arrest.

“It looks like it’s probably been drug through the mud. The tires are more worn than they were before,” said Tyler Clark as he looked down at his bike.

But at the end of the day, it’s back where it belongs.

He’s one of at least six homeowners living along Fletcher Avenue in Fountain Square who had their homes ransacked and burglarized last month.

“Even though our house had already been broken into, we were concerned about them coming back,” he said.

But it wasn’t just his block being targeted. A little more than a mile away, police responded to a burglary in the 700 block of East Morris Street.

“Based on the information that the victim and witnesses were able to provide to investigators, (it) eventually led them to Mr. Holt,” said Officer Rafael Diaz, IMPD spokesman.

Mr. Holt is Christopher Holt. Police got a warrant for his arrest Friday. After questioning him, they believe the 21-year-old is now behind several of the break-ins plaguing the area.

“Hopefully nobody else will kind of have to go through this for a while,” said Clark.

Even with the arrest, police still want neighbors to keep a close eye on each other. They said it’s that vigilant mindset that helped get Holt in handcuffs.

Police also suggest finding a way to protect your home, like with a dog or security system.

“We have a security system but we definitely beefed it up since (the burglary),” said Clark.

He’s pumped he got his bike back. But more importantly, that he got his sense of security with it.

“(Crime) can happen anywhere. Unfortunately it’s happened recently in our neighborhood but it’s still a great place to live. I feel safe,” said Clark. “Fountain Square’s a wonderful place.”

Police wouldn’t say exactly how many burglaries Holt could be connected to but it’s estimated around 10. Clark said some of the other victims got their items back but others didn’t.

It’s why police suggest taking pictures of your belongings and saving their serial numbers in case you ever find yourself a burglary victim.

Holt has been charged with burglary and fraud, both felonies, and a misdemeanor charge for theft.