19 minors aged 9 to 16 are accused of stealing 46 cars worth a total of $1.1 million from dealerships in North Carolina

• The Winston-Salem Police Department in North Carolina said in a press release seen by CNN that 19 kids aged 9 to 16 are accused of stealing 46 cars from 12 different dealerships.
• Police say there were 18 break-ins in total, and they started happening on March 17.
• The stolen cars are worth $1,138,718, police said.
• Police have not arrested any of the minors yet, but officers did arrest a 19-year-old man in connection to the thefts.
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Nineteen kids aged 9 to 16 have been accused of stealing 46 cars worth a total of $1.1 million from dealerships in North Carolina.

The Winston-Salem Police Department said in a press release seen by CNN that since March 17, 46 vehicles have been stolen from 12 car dealerships, and authorities believe children are to blame.

"Detectives have identified nineteen (19) juveniles known to be involved in these thefts," police said in the news release. "Those juveniles range in age from sixteen (16) to nine (9) years of age. Detectives have sought, and thus far have been denied, secure custody orders from the Forsyth County Department of Juvenile Justice for the involved juveniles."

Police say the minors took part in 18 different break-ins to steal the dozens of cars, that were worth a total of $1,138,718. All but six vehicles have been recovered.

A 19-year-old male named Mekeal Binns was arrested on March 25 in connection to the crimes. He has been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and violating probation.

Police are still looking for the minor suspects, and are working with car dealerships to increase security of their locations.

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