Police Bust Major “Theft from Auto” and Burglary Ring

Philadelphia Police Major Crimes Auto Squad arrested two people in a large “theft from auto” and burglary ring operating Northeast Philadelphia and Bensalem.

Ryan Shantz, 30, of the 4400 block of Pearson Avenue and Michael Mager, 31, of the 6600 block of Jackson Street will be charged with a total of 61 counts of theft from a vehicle and related offenses in both Philadelphia and Bensalem. Major
Crimes Auto Squad and Bensalem Police had been investigating the ring for three months.

Authorities also found that the suspects were fencing items using Cash
for Gold at 6907 Torresdale Avenue. Over $100,000 worth of stolen items
were recovered after search warrants were
executed at the store.

Police are holding public showings of the recovered goods at 4298 MacAlester Street in Juniata Park on Friday, August 5 from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Monday, August 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. They ask anyone who was a victim of a burglary or theft from auto in
Northeast Philadelphia or Bensalem in 2011 to attend in order to identify their property.

Items recovered include power tools, laptops, monitors, printers, digital cameras, GPS
devices, video game systems,
cell phones, musical instruments, contractor tools, air
conditioners, snow blowers, pressure washers, lawn equipment and step
ladders.

For any additional information about the showings, contact Lt. Paul Haag or Sgt. Dan Buckley of the Major Crimes Auto Squad at 215-685-9130.