Rockland Teen Allegedly Stole $40K Out of a Vehicle

A Rockland teenager is facing charges after allegedly stealing $40,000 out of a vehicle.

Rockland Suspect Had Several Conditions of Release When Arrested

Zachary Gilbert, 18, of Rockland is charged with felony theft and violation of conditions of release. At the time of this arrest, Gilbert was out on five sets of conditions of release from prior criminal offenses.

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Police Believe the Victim of the Rockland Theft May Have Been Targeted

Rockland Police say the investigation into the theft began on February 19th. Officials say they believe the victim was targeted because of the large amount of unsecured money taken, which totalled $40,000.

Details have not been given about why the victim was carrying so much cash or how Gilbert allegedly became alerted to it. But police say the investigation included interviews with suspects and witnesses, as well as the execution of search warrants at homes and hotels in Thomaston, Warren, and Owls Head.

Gilbert was arrested on March 7th, and Rockland Police have also charged one juvenile with felony theft. Charges are also pending for four more juvenile suspects. Those suspects have not been identified because they're minors.

Rockland Case is a Good Reminder About How to Protect Your Vehicle from Theft

Residents are reminded to keep their vehicle doors locked at all times and remove any valuables from the vehicle whenever it's left unattended. While this theft appears to have been a targeted attack, car burglaries tend to be a more random occurance.

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Thieves will check parked vehicles for unlocked doors and then rifle the contents of the any open vehicles for any valuables. Items typically stolen in more random car burglaries range from money to credit cards, electronics to whatever else the thieves decide they want.

Car doors should be kept locked at all times, even when the vehicle is sitting in the owner's driveway.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Jordan Jandreau at 207-594-0316 or JJandreau@RocklandMaine.gov.

We'll update this story as more details become available.