Police: Hundreds Of Stolen Items Found In North Minneapolis Home

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The search of a Twin Cities home uncovered a crime spree going back nearly 10 years.

Police recovered more than 500 stolen items from a house in north Minneapolis. All of the evidence is believed to have come from vehicle thefts at a downtown parking ramp.

Police arrested 34-year-old Calvin Maurice Rogers in connection with the thefts. He will be charged on Monday.

According to investigators, Rogers has been targeting the parking ramp next to the Hyatt on Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis.

"When things are left out on a seat, things are visible, that is a key for someone, such as a suspect, to break in and grab those things," Sergeant Richard Jackson of the Minneapolis Police Department said.

At the Minneapolis police property and evidence warehouse, the stolen property covers three long tables.  The stolen items include cell phones, clothing, books, pictures, luggage, lamps, lap tops, computers, tools, instruments and even a steer's head.

"There are hundreds of suspected stolen items," Sgt. Jackson said.

Investigators say Rogers would walk the lot weekly and during big events. Each item, no matter how unexpected, could lead to an easy buck.

"Once someone takes something they have to get rid of it," Sgt. Jackson said.

Police found Rogers while following up on a wedding gift theft. Surveillance video eventually helped lead Sgt. Jackson to the home packed with stolen goods.

"It was overwhelming. It was quite a surprise. I was not expecting to find this many items," Sgt. Jackson said.

The challenge now, finding the owners for a case that dates back years.

"Right now, we're finding evidence that links to 2006," Sgt. Jackson said.

Police believe Rogers targeted other parking ramps in the downtown area.

Officers say the one difficulty in returning stolen property is most people don't write down serial numbers on items like cell phones and lap tops.

If you think you've had an item stolen, Sgt. Jackson wants you to call him at (612) 673-5148.