Teen linked to Hephzibah burglaries

HEPHZIBAH - Richmond County authorities have arrested a homeless teenager linked to a string of residential burglaries in Hephzibah. <br> <br> The 16-year-old boy, who was not identified because he is a juvenile, has been linked to six break-ins between June and August. In one case, the boy also was accused of stealing a vehicle. <br> <br> Police arrested him late Tuesday after receiving an anonymous tip that he was staying with a friend. <br> <br> The teen was known to live in vacant houses or with friends. He had lived with his aunt until she moved out of her home and into a hotel. <br> <br> ``He would come during the daytime, and if no one was at home, he would kick in the back door or break a window on the side,&#39;&#39; said Lt. Tony Walden, of the Richmond County Sheriff&#39;s Office. ``Generally, he was taking what he could carry.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> The teen would sell the stolen items on the street for money, Walden said. <br> <br> Investigators linked the teen to the burglaries via evidence left at the scene and witness statements. <br> <br> The boy was being held in the Augusta Regional Youth Detention Center.