Police recover at least 30 stolen cars, arrest man

ANCHORAGE - Anchorage police have recovered at least 30 stolen cars while breaking up a theft operation.

Spokeswoman Anita Shell told KTUU-TV on Thursday that the cars were found near the north edge of the municipality and officers are continuing to search a wooded area in Eklutna with help from Alaska State Troopers.

A trooper helicopter was assisting and other officers used snowmobiles.

Police made one arrest. John Wayne Morris, 36, was held on theft charges. Shell says a woman is being questioned.

Shell said the thefts likely took place over a long time. "You don't just pop 30 cars in a week," she said.