Arrest made in Old Chain of Rocks Bridge burglaries August 25, 2009

It appears a breakthrough has been made in the rash of vehicle burglaries that have occurred in the parking area on the Illinois side of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.

KTVI-TV in St. Louis reports that Kenneth A. Woods-Bey, 18, of St. Louis was arrested by police in Madison, Ill., and charged with four counts of burglary.

But police believe that Woods-Bey is responsible for “90 percent” of the 18 reported burglaries that have occurred this year near the historic Route 66 bridge over the Mississippi River. One of the victims was a Swiss family that was traveling the Mother Road.

Madison police say they’ll continue their patrols and video surveillance of the area. Meanwhile, many tourists are probably breathing a bit easier when they visit the pedestrian/cycling bridge that is maintained by Trailnet.