WARREN, Ohio - Authorities track down some suspects believed to be linked to a rash of burglaries across Trumbull County in recent months.

The Trumbull County Sheriff's office estimates three to four burglaries have taken place each week since November across the county. Major Thomas Stewart says law enforcement officials across the county are concerned some of the missing items, including guns, could be ending up in the wrong hands. 

"We believe the majority of the weapons that aren't sold at gun shops, they're bartering them for heroin or what have you," Major Stewart says.
 
Stewart says the sheriff's office and Champion Township police pounced on a lucky tip January 10. A local gun dealer reported two suspects were trying to sell stolen guns at his store.

"He called the 911 center immediately, because he knew the victim of the crime it just so happens," Stewart says. " He contacted the 911 center, he had the serial numbers of the weapons and everything and he lead them to another gun dealer, so we would have time to apprehend them."

Both Michael Matthew and Kimberly Doggett were charged with receiving stolen property.  The guns police found in their possession were among the $20,000 worth of missing weapons reported in a burglary in Bloomfield.

On Monday, three suspects wanted in connection with a Newtown Township burglary were arrested at gunpoint during a traffic stop. Randall Rine, Christopher Macaluso and Timothy Grimes were arrested on burglary charges. The victims tell 21 News this experience has been traumatic.

Major Stewart says having the help from dealers and pawn shops is instrumental in solving these crimes and want more businesses to participate.

"We wish they would call the local sheriff's office or the local police departments to see if the weapons are stolen," he says.

Stewart recommends keeping an inventory of your pricey personal items. He advises taking photos of jewelry and keeping gun registration information in a safe place.