Barrington police investigate rash of car break-ins

At about 1:50 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, a Barrington police officer was patrolling the Bay Spring section of town when he spotted a man riding his bike down the bike path.

The officer thought it was odd for someone to be out riding a bike in the middle of the night. He shined a light on the man and saw him throw something into the woods and speed away.

The officer chased the man and stopped him. He asked the East Providence resident why he was out so late on his bike — the man said he was just going for a ride.

Another officer found the item that the bike-rider had discarded. It was an empty backpack. Police then released the man.

Just a few days later, Barrington residents living close to the East Bay Bike Path reported a series of car break-ins. Residents on Sixth Street, Washington Road, Chapel Road, Annawamscutt Road and Fourth Street contacted police on Sunday morning, Oct. 8, after they discovered someone had rummaged through their vehicles.

Among the items reported stolen were a laptop, sunglasses, a GPS and loose change. The laptop was later found in a hedge.

Police are asking residents who spot any suspicious activity late at night to call the station at 437-3930.