An as yet undetermined number of cars being broken into — or having their windows smashed — in the southeast part of town recently are believed to be connected, said Det. Sgt. Murray Drinkwalter of Halton Regional Police.

Drinkwalter said the culprits seemed to progress from entering unlocked vehicles to smashing windows to gain access.

Vehicles were broken into on streets including Bradley Terrace, Marshall Crescent, Cartwright Crescent, Cargill Path and Maple Avenue.

Vehicle windows were smashed on Edwards Avenue, Beaty Trail, Robson Crescent, McNair Crescent, Woodward Avenue, Maple Avenue and Trudeau Drive.

It appears a gun of some sort was used to smash out the windows, Drinkwalter said. In a few of the incidents, pellets were found in the area around the targeted vehicles.

A pellet pistol that looks almost identical to a police-issue Beretta 40-calibre pistol was seized, something Drinkwalter said is particularly concerning in light of the “what ifs.”

“I’d hate to see what could have happened if any officer had confronted this weapon while out on the street,” Drinkwalter said.

In another incident believed to be connected, police said a BB gun was pointed at a person in the parking lot of the Esso gas station at James Snow Parkway and Main Street. This occurred November 25 at about 4:30 p. m.

Police are continuing their investigation and additional charges are possible, Drinkwalter said.

A small amount of stolen property has been recovered.

Two of the arrested youths will go through Halton police’s Youth Diversion Program.

A third suspect has been charged with three counts of theft.

A fourth suspect faces 14 charges including various counts of possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of stolen property, mischief to property, breach of an undertaking and theft.

Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com .