An AR-15 rifle that was recovered after an investigation into several larcenies in Jamestown over a three-week span. Two male youths are facing charges for the larcenies, police said Wednesday. Photo by the Jamestown Police Department

Charges are pending against two male youths after several items — including an AR-15 rifle and a loaded handgun — were stolen from vehicles over a three-week period in Jamestown.

An investigation was launched after numerous larcenies were reported in a five-block area in the city’s northside.

Police were led to the two juveniles after one of them attempted to use a stolen credit card at a local convenience store. Police obtained surveillance video from the store, and from there investigators were able to identify the pair.

Capt. Robert Samuelson of the Jamestown Police Department said officers received assistance from a school resource officer and Jamestown Public Schools staff in their investigation. Tips from the public also assisted, Samuelson said.

A search warrant was executed Wednesday, and several of the stolen items were recovered — among those were the rifle and loaded pistol.

Samuelson praised the collaborative effort that led to the recovery of the items.

“This was a total group effort,” he said. “From our investigators, to the school resource officer and school officials, we were able to bring this to a positive conclusion.”

He also noted the dangers of youths coming across guns in addition to gun owners leaving firearms inside vehicles.