Gas theft is on the rise in the northern part of Guam and it’s led to the arrest of a Dededo family.

A father and two brothers were arrested in connection to drilling holes into the gas tanks of nearly 30 cars.

Authorities only stopped them in their tracks after a courageous act from a young boy who was home alone Monday.

The boy heard noises outside his window and saw two men dressed in black stealing from his property.

Despite the frightening moment, he not only called for help but started recording with his cellphone capturing the thieves on camera.

It led to the arrest of 25-year-old Sabino Jay Ayuyu.

Information from Ayuyu then led officers to track down his brother, 20-year-old Jeremiah Unchangco and Unchango’s father, 51-year-old Christopher A. Unchangco.

Jeremiah admitted to helping his father and brother drill holes into cars for gas and stealing roosters from multiple residences.

Police are linking the serial thieves to at least 28 gas tank drillings primarily in the northern area but GPD is still investigating similar crimes, to include those occurring at secluded hiking trails.

As KUAM reported last month, Santa Rita resident Matthew Johnson’s car was hit by vandals while hiking at Pagat trail and it’s costing him thousands of dollars.

“My car is currently undergoing remedial work. They’re having to replace the gas tank, the gas shield and the gas pump for it. All in all, the total bill is going to be about $3800,” said Johnson.

While he’s not sure if this week’s arrests are the ones responsible for his car, he hopes it serves as a deterrent for copycats.

“I'd say look, eventually your luck is going to run out. People have dash cams on their cars and there are cameras in the areas where this is happening….If this does turn out to be the guys, then I hope that they’re prosecuted fully within the law and that people feel safe again to go back on those trails and enjoy Guam and the community as we get into the sunnier season,” he added.

Meantime, Ayuyu is charged with theft of property, criminal mischief, criminal trespass and resisting arrest.

Christopher Unchangco is charged with theft of property, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass.

Jeremiah Unchangco is charged with criminal mischief to a motor vehicle and theft of property.

All have been booked and confined at the Department of Corrections.