Sumter officers investigate string of drop box break-ins

Drop boxes have become the new target for a thief or thieves looking to cash in on rental payments at local apartment complexes.

The Sumter Police Department is investigating a string of incidents reported this week where drop boxes were tampered with and rental payments stolen from multiple apartment complexes.

Officers are working to identify the person or persons involved.

According to Tonyia McGirt, public information officer for the police department, video surveillance at one of the locations captured a man entering a locked drop box, taking its contents and then leaving in a white-and-black, newer-model Jeep.

An eight-month resident at The Retreat at Sumter told The Sumter Item her rent payment was stolen from the apartment complex’s drop box.

On Nov. 4, she dropped off her check for rent in the drop box and later received an email that said she never paid rent.

“After they tried telling me that I didn’t pay, they then said the drop box has been vandalized, and they filed a police report,” she said.

Now she’s worried it will happen again, especially because she said there have been several reported car break-ins on the property in the past couple months.

The Sumter Police Department encouraged residents to make rental payments in person, by mail or by another secure method and to discuss payment options with complex managers. Residents are also asked to immediately report any activity that or persons in their area who appear to be out of the ordinary to law enforcement.

You can call the Sumter Police Department at (803) 436-2700. Dial 911 in case of an emergency.

If you have information related to these crimes and would like to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at1-888-CRIME-SC. A cash reward may be available for information leading to an arrest.

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers by logging onto www.P3tips.comand clicking on the “Submit a New Tip” tab or by downloading the P3 Tips app for Apple and Android devices.