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'Career criminal' accused of dozens of thefts from vehicles in Philadelphia

By and
Updated  December 12, 2024 1:38pm EST
Crime & Public Safety
FOX 29 Philadelphia

Ring leader behind rash of car break-ins across Philadelphia arrested

Chaun Davis, 45, was arrested after investigators say several reported stolen items in recent car thefts were found at his Philadelphia home. Officials say he is behind at least ten thefts.

The Brief

    • Chaun Davis, 45, is accused of breaking into and stealing items from nearly two dozen cars in Philadelphia.
    • Davis allegedly maxed out credit cards stolen in the thefts by purchasing gift cards until the card declined.
    • Investigators say he preyed on cars parked in residential areas and places people go for recreation.
    • Davis is being held on over $1M bail.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities in Philadelphia are urging drivers to keep their valuable belongings hidden after a "career criminal" was recently charged with dozens of thefts from vehicles across the city. 

Chaun Davis, 45, was arrested after investigators say several items reported stolen in recent car thefts were found at his Philadelphia home. Davis is accused of 10 thefts in Center City, five in southwest neighborhoods, three in the northwest, and two others in the northeast. 

"Chaun Davis caused a lot of mayhem in people's lives," District Attorney Larry Krasner told reporters on Thursday. "They had a whole lot of stuff they had to fix and they had to replace, and they never expected that that would occur."

'Career criminal' accused of nearly two dozen thefts from vehicles in Philadelphia

Authorities in Philadelphia are urging drivers to keep their valuable belongings hidden after a "career criminal" was recently charged with nearly two dozen thefts from vehicles across the city.

Investigators highlighted some of the valuable items taken during Davis's alleged "crime spree," including firearms and credit cards. Davis allegedly maxed out the stolen credit cards by purchasing as many gift cards as he could.

Authorities allege Davis preyed on vehicles parked in residential areas and places where people go for recreation. In some thefts, Davis is accused of smashing car windows and picking locks to gain access to the vehicles. 

Davis's rapsheet stretches back to 1995, according to authorities, and includes crimes illegal possession of a firearm, burglary, and forgery. It's alleged that his recent spate of vehicle thefts amounted to $160,000 worth of stolen items.

"[Davis] is a career criminal who – unlike some – seems to like all kinds of crime," Krasner said. "He likes guns, he likes violent crime, and, more recently, he especially likes economic crimes that effect the quality of life for a whole lot of people."

Davis was charged with dozens of crimes, including 17 counts of receiving stolen property, 16 counts of theft by unlawful taking, and 14 counts of theft from a motor vehicle. He also faces weapons, robbery and conspiracy charges.

"This is the time of the year where we ask you to be very, very diligent about where you leave the items in your car," Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.

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