Laptop tracking leads to stolen vehicles in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The tracking of a laptop found three teens with two stolen vehicles in Lincoln. 

The Lincoln Police Department said officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from the 5000 block of R St. on Monday at 9:44 a.m. A 22-year-old man told officers his 2017 Kia Forte Sedan, estimated at $17,000, was taken from the parking lot of his apartment building by unknown people.

Officers said the victim told them he had left his keys in the center console of the vehicle and that it was unlocked. The victim also reported that his MacBook laptop was inside of his vehicle and began using his Find My Device feature to track its movements. The locations that were shown had no specific addresses and were all over town.

According to authorities, the laptop showed that it stopped and stayed in the 5100 block of Aylesworth Ave. around 12:00 a.m. Tuesday. Officers found the stolen Kia and saw a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl come out of a nearby home and get inside of the Kia. 

Officials said the two teens were taken into custody but they didn't find the laptop inside the Kia. The tracker still showed that the laptop was nearby so officers continued to search the area.

LPD said they saw another stolen vehicle, a 2008 Buick Enclave, parked on N 50th St. between Aylesworth Ave. and Holdrege St. Officers reportedly saw a 15-year-old boy inside of the Buick and took him into custody as well.

Officers said they found the laptop inside of the Buick. The Buick was also confirmed stolen out of Omaha on Monday. The three teens were referred for theft by receiving and lodged at the Youth Assessment Center.