Friday's early morning snow may have helped Skaneateles Police solve a number of crimes.

Skaneateles Police officer David Wawro arrested Justin M. DeCapio after following his footprints in the snow. Wawro was investigating a vehicle larceny at about 5:15 a.m. Friday outside a private residence on East Genesee Street.

Shortly after arriving, Wawro and assisting deputies from the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office followed footprints to other cars that had been burglarized, and eventually to DeCapio, who was hiding behind a garage on East Lake Street, police said.

The 18-year-old was arraigned in Skaneateles Town Court on Friday and jailed on $5,000 cash or bond bail. He faces charges of petit larceny, possession of stolen property, third-degree burglary and unlawful possession of marijuana.

DeCapio, of 204 Deerfield Road, East Syracuse, and Dublin Road, Marcellus, was transferred to the Justice Center in Syracuse.

According to police, DeCapio had several items of stolen property when the officer discovered him early Friday morning.

The Skaneateles Police Department has investigated multiple incidents of people reporting items taken from their cars while they are parked in the east side of the village. Suspects have entered the vehicles and stolen an mp3 player, cash, wallets, alcohol and backpacks, police stated.

The department is continuing to investigate vehicle larcenies and burglaries.

Anyone who notices items missing from their vehicles or garages can contact the Skaneateles Police Department at 685-3456.

Officers recommend people lock their vehicles, garages and doors.