Sumter law enforcement: Vehicle break-ins increase during holiday season

Thieves and burglars find Christmas comes early and more often as vehicle break-ins tend to increase during the holiday season.

Rain, cold and darkness does not stop a thief for capitalizing on a crime of opportunity to swipe belongings from unlocked vehicles, and law enforcement officials in Sumter are asking residents to help reduce their risk of falling prey.

"City and county authorities have seen an uptick of car break-ins during the past few weeks," according to a joint news release from Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis and Sumter Police Chief Russell F. Roark III. "The majority of these crimes have involved unlocked vehicles. And, in several of these break-ins, firearms were among the items reported stolen. This is of extreme concern for law enforcement because of the potential for stolen guns to be used in subsequent crimes."

Break-ins have recently been reported in Dalzell, Sherwood Forest, Mooneyham/Acres Avenue, Rolling Creek and areas off Plowden Mill Road, all of which remain under investigation.

Simply removing belongings from vehicles, locking the doors and tailgates and making sure they're locked can help decrease vehicle break-ins and stolen items.

Sumter's law enforcement also asks residents to ask their neighbors and friends to commit to the same daily habit and to call law enforcement immediately if they notice any strange vehicles, pedestrians or other activity in the area.

A break-in captured on video last week shows two men going through an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway of a home in the Sherwood Forest area at about 3 a.m. on Nov. 13. Other residents in the same area also reported their vehicles were rummaged through.

These crimes happen anywhere in the city or county, including in gated communities that may seem more secure, according to the release. They typically take place in areas that are easily accessible and have a concentrated number of vehicles, allowing the suspects to move quickly through numerous vehicles.

Items commonly reported stolen include wallets, purses, cash and change, debit and credit cards, mobile devices like tablets, cell phones and laptops, accessories for those devices and firearms — whether they are intended for personal use or hunting.

Keeping these items, as well as holiday packages, shopping purchases and other items out of the car and into the home or to another secure location before keeping the vehicle locked at night will reduce the chance of a break-in, the news release said.

Anyone with information about recent break-ins is asked to call law enforcement at either (803) 436-2000 or (803) 436-2700. Information can also be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. A cash reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.