WILLIAMSON COUNTY — The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Monday arrested five juveniles in connection with home burglaries in Carterville and Crainville.

Deputy Brian Murrah says the sheriff’s office got a call at 12:30 Monday afternoon concerning a possible residential burglary on Burghoff Street in Carterville. The street is located in the county.

A neighbor said he was watching the home for the homeowners while they were gone on vacation and saw two young men appear to enter the home. The neighbor also said that he saw them get into a white car that was parked down the road and the young men had left in the vehicle. The neighbor was not able to give more information about the men or the vehicle they left in.

When deputies arrived, they found that the home had been entered forcibly. They were able to speak with the homeowner by phone, and it was determined that several firearms and other items were missing from the home.

An investigation by sheriff’s office investigators led to a deputy locating the vehicle a few hours later. Two stolen firearms were inside it.

Five juveniles in the vehicle were detained and taken to the sheriff’s office and their parents were contacted. After interviews were conducted, the juveniles were all released to their parents, as required by Illinois Juvenile law for this incident.

As the investigation continued, numerous other items were located at different locations which included cash, knives and an additional firearm. Information received indicated that another residential burglary had occurred in Crainville. That incident is being investigated by Crainville Police Department.

Murrah says upon completion of the investigation, all reports will be sent to Juvenile Probation and the States Attorney Office for the determination of charges.