Law enforcement agencies are working together to solve a rash of crimes linked to heroin.
Investigators say heroin users are accused of breaking into several Ingham County homes and stealing items they would later sell to pay for their illegal drug habit.
Sheriff's officials say the home break ins and property thefts centered in the village of Webberville and spread out into the Williamston and Meridian Township areas.
Police from those agencies and state police assisted in the investigation.
Deputies from the Ingham County Sheriff's Office lead the investigation that started last fall when they noticed a rise in criminal activity in the Webberville area.
Deputies worked with officers from nearby Williamston and Meridian Township and State Police to solve at least fifteen home invasions, one stolen vehicle, more than thirty thefts of scrap metal and several larcenies of tools and other items from garages.
Investigators say those arrested range in age from 22 to 26 years old and in every case they say the person could be linked to heroin use.
Sheriff's deputies say they followed the paper trails left behind when the suspects would sell the items they stole to scrap yards and pawn shops. They took many of the items without the victims even knowing it.
"So they would go into these houses, take just enough to not be detected, put everything back the way it was and then leave," said Deputy James Cousino, Ingham County Sheriff's Office, "Part of the reason this case took off with us so much is so many local people in the rural areas overdosing on heroin. Some of them died, many didn't, but the epidemic of heroin has taken off," said Deputy Ryan Kramer, Ingham County Sheriff's Office.
"It was a great effort on the part of the various agencies involved. But I think we all have experienced cutbacks in our staff but this is an example of our people still continuing to work hard to solve these crimes that effect people's daily lives," said Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth, Ingham County Sheriff's Office.
The investigation is far from over. Deputies believe there are still people out there stealing things to fund their heroin addiction. In fact, they have television sets, jewelry and many other items they haven't been able to link to a victim.
If you notice things missing from your home call the sheriff's office at 517-676-2431.
