Authorities expect to make more arrests in connection with a Moorpark burglary that led to the apprehension of nine juveniles last week.

At about 2 p.m. April 26, eight Moorpark youths were arrested and charged with committing a burglary in the 11000 block of Darlene Lane, where two firearms and a variety of other items were reported stolen.

Moorpark police Detective Kevin Lynch said a ninth juvenile was arrested the following day, after authorities determined that multiple burglaries had occurred at the same estate over a period of at least three weeks.

“In this case the initial group of kids—it appears they thought the estate was abandoned or unoccupied, which was not the case,” Lynch said. “They went exploring, and this group of kids told some friends, and they told some more friends. That’s kind of how this (most recent) burglary came about.”

According to police reports, the arrested juveniles range in age from 12 to 15. The stolen firearms were recovered near the scene of the crime shortly after the first eight arrests were made.

Lynch said a gardener or caretaker of the estate witnessed the burglary occurring last Thursday and called the police.

Patrol deputies, detectives and the special enforcement unit responded to the scene and established a perimeter around the neighborhood.

The eight juveniles were apprehended quickly and taken to the Moorpark Police Department for questioning.

Of the nine arrests last week, eight of the juveniles were cited and released to their legal guardians.

One of the youths, who is on juvenile probation for prior offenses, was booked into Ventura County Juvenile Hall.

Lynch said all the kids are currently being charged with felony burglary of a structure and are scheduled to appear in court in the near future.

The crime was not gangrelated, the detective said.

Because the estate may have been burglarized multiple times, Lynch said, detectives believe more kids may have been involved.

Authorities are still investigating the case and ask that parents with any information contact the Moorpark Police Department at (805) 532-2700.