Cranston police arrest 5 for larcenies

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) -- Cranston police have arrested five people they say are responsible for a string of larcenies from cars in the city.

Police say they were called to a home on Park Forest Road Saturday just before 3 a.m. for a report of a person "rummaging through the glove box" of a person's car.  That suspect fled before police arrived but the homeowner gave officers a good description of the person.

Officers stopped a car a short distance away after spotting a person inside matching that description; when they questioned the driver, 21 year-old Alexander Woods of Chepachet, police say he seemed nervous.  A person in the back seat matched the description given by the homeowner; 19 year-old Alexander Rastelli of Providence.

According to police, Rastelli admitted to breaking into the car, as well as several others in the area.  He was arrested and officers found several cell phones and electronic devices in the car they suspect of being stolen.

Woods, Rastelli, 22 year-old Jennifer Wholly of Providence, 20 year-old Kyle Cote of Providence and a sixteen-year old from Lincoln were all arrested; all five will be charged with larceny, attempted larceny and conspiracy.

Police said a crime watch meeting had recently been held in the neighborhood and residents discussed increased car breakins.