Columbia police seek information after string of car break-ins at hotels, homes
The Columbia Police Department is investigating a string of auto break-ins across the city.
Between May 28 and June 1, multiple cars and pick-up trucks were broken into at several hotels, homes and neighborhoods in Southeast Columbia, including near Garners Ferry Road and Interstate 77, the Harbison area and in North Columbia near Candi Lane and River Drive, according to a news release.
Stolen items include money, debit cards, jewelry, identification documents and firearms, the release said. Investigators are unsure whether the break-ins are related.
The Columbia Police Department’s property crimes unit said they’re working to identify suspects by combing through surveillance video, and are asking residents to upload any surveillance footage they may have that may support the investigation, here.
Police suspect the crimes may stem from juveniles as auto break-ins tend to spike when school is out for the summer.
“Auto break-ins are considered ‘crimes of opportunity,’ with criminals checking to determine if vehicle doors are unlocked or if personal items are noticeable,” the release said.
To curb break-ins, police advise people to properly secure their vehicle and personal items by:
- Locking doors and windows
- Removing or hiding valuables
- Removing car keys and not leaving any spare keys inside the vehicle
- Investing in a security alarm
- Securing firearm in a locked box or case with a gunlock on the weapon
Residents with information about the string of thefts are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers by dialing, 888-CRIME-SC; logging onto Crimestoppers and clicking the “submit a tip” tab; or by downloading the P3 Tips app.
