Orangeburg sheriff asks for help identifying men in attempted break-ins

Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said Wednesday investigators are seeking to arrest several males who attempted several times to break into machines at a local laundromat.

"This business has been the target of thieves multiple times over the past few days," he said. "They get little if anything yet do thousands of dollars in damages to the machines they're trying to break into."

Ravenell said about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 21, a white male used a handheld blowtorch in his attempt to break into machines at 301 Laundry and Car Wash.

The would-be thief attempted to burn his way into a bill acceptor on a soft drink machine, then used the torch on a washing machine and a car wash change box.

Then on Tuesday in separate incidents, a black male attempted to break into a washing machine at the Five Chop Road business about 5 a.m. That same male came back about 10:30 p.m. and then again just before 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

The last time, the initial suspect brought two more males with him to break into washing machine coin slots.

While one machine has to be completely replaced, total damage to the machines and replacement is estimated to be near $40,000, the owner said.

If anyone has any information on the multiple theft attempts, call the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office at (803) 534-3550 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC. All callers can remain anonymous.