By News Channel 3
newsline3@kesq.com

PALM SPRINGS - Six people are behind bars, today, accused of storing stolen property taken in a rash of burglaries in Palm Springs and Cathedral City.

Police tell News Channel 3 that their investigation was catapulted by a transient driving a stolen car.  While in custody, he confessed to being involved in more than 50 burglaries over the past few months in both cities.

Investigators say the transient sold the merchandise to Chuck Ailabouni, the owner of Julian's Market in Palm Springs.  Baed on that information, police got search warrants, and searched five locations.

The search started Tuesday at 10am and wrapped up Tuesday night at 10:30pm.  The sweep turned up several stolen motorcycles, stolen televisions, computer equipment, a washing machine and jewelry were recovered, with an estimated value of approximately $200,000.00. The recovered property filled two U-Haul trucks.

The six people in custody include: Kihalil (Chuck Sr) Ailabouni, 54; Shoukry (Chuck Jr) Ailabouni, 31; Rawan Matar, 21; Ihab Shabi, 24; Anek Najib,21; Rasim Taha,40.

So far, at least nine victims have been identified. A majority of the recovered property has yet to be linked to any victims.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact Detective Rae Fernandez at (760) 323-8143 or Crimestoppers at (760) 341- STOP.