WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderPolice Arrest Three in Rockford Burglaries; Mayor Addresses Other Issues

Police Arrest Three in Rockford Burglaries; Mayor Addresses Other Issues

By Laura Gibbs

ROCKFORD - Rockford police bust an organized crime ring. 13 News has been updating you about developments in numerous burglaries on Rockford's northeast side. Tonight, police announce a total of 3 arrests.

Police say three people are all tied to the same crime: burglaries during July and August. There was a total of 13 Rockford homes that got unwelcome guests during the day, and this all happened in plain sight. Deputy Chief Greg Lindmark says, "So they were taking their time. They were taking a significant amount of property from the residences."

We're talking big ticket items like flat screen TV's, jewelry, computers, and a lot of cash. Police arrested 18-year-old Isiah Starks, 19-year-old Marcell Brooks, and 36-year-old Anthony Starks. Starks was arrested this past weekend. 

The latest on this case came at Mayor Larry Morrissey's monthly meeting. Also during this time, he cleared up any confusion about city-related issues. Morrissey addressed his trip to Chicago yesterday to check out their 311 system.

A lot of time today dealt with a Monday night memo to Rockford alderman about a new residential driveway and sidewalk policy. Basically if you replace a driveway with no sidewalk on either side, you're only responsible for the driveway. Morrissey says, "On the other hand, if there's a sidewalk leading up to the driveway, and this particular driveway was not initially installed with a sidewalk, in most cases we're requiring that the sidewalk be installed."

The city has a 50/50 program where they could help homeowners pay for the sidewalk. There are also some grants and things the city has available to help those residents with those additional costs because they do realize that is an added expense can really be burdensome to those residents, so you're asked to call city hall and talk to Rockford officials about that.

We also asked Mayor Morrissey about any decision regarding running for re-election and he's not saying anything at this point. He'll wait to some time around Labor Day to discuss his political future here in Rockford.