An 18-year-old woman is in the Franklin County jail after police connected her to a burglary spree hitting as many as 12 Upper Arlington homes, with more than $13,000 in stolen property.

Madison Elkins appeared in court Aug. 4, where a judge set her bail at $75,000, ABC 6/WSYX reported. She is accused of breaking into the homes and stealing property across multiple locations.

A 17-year-old suspect is also in custody. Investigators are searching for a third person they believe was part of the group.

How they got in

Police said the trio targeted homes where doors or windows were left unlocked. The method suggests the suspects moved through neighborhoods testing entry points rather than forcing their way inside, a detail that carries a direct message for Upper Arlington residents about securing their homes, even in neighborhoods that feel safe.

The scope of the alleged spree is significant for a city that typically sees low property-crime numbers. Twelve homes across Upper Arlington represents a concentrated pattern that drew a rapid police response.

Connection to earlier burglaries

The Elkins arrest is a separate development from the overnight burglaries in Upper Arlington's Tewksbury Road area early Aug. 3, where two teens were arrested after at least five properties were hit. Whether the 17-year-old now in custody in the Elkins case is connected to the Tewksbury Road arrests has not been confirmed.

Together, the incidents mean Upper Arlington police have taken at least three suspects into custody this week in connection with residential break-ins.

No official statement yet

The Upper Arlington Police Division, led by Chief Keith Hall, has not released a public statement about the Elkins arrest or detailed the formal charges she faces. The department has not responded to requests for comment.

Residents with information about the burglaries or the outstanding third suspect can contact the Upper Arlington Police Division at (614) 459-2800.