Protect your property, SC police say after car thieves strike in Forest Acres
At least a dozen vehicles were targeted by car thieves earlier this week in the Columbia area of South Carolina, according to the Forest Acres Police Department.
Twelve vehicles were broken into overnight Monday to Tuesday morning, police said Wednesday in a news release. Of those, two vehicles were stolen while another 10 were ransacked, according to the release.
One vehicle was stolen from The Laureate and another from Ravenwood Apartments, police said. The areas hit were homes off Forest Drive, at Willingham Drive and Covenant Crossing, according to the release.
Officers have collected evidence, including security camera footage, police said. Now they are asking the community for information that will lead to the arrest of the suspected car thieves.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 803-782-9444, CrimeStoppers at 888-CRIME-SC or submit an online tip.
In the case of an emergency, always call 911.
“In the meantime — folks, lock your cars,” police said in the release. “Take your valuables inside. And pretty please — don’t make it easy on them and leave your keys in the car!”
Vehicle safety tips
- Remain vigilant
- Lock vehicles
- Remove valuables
- Report suspicious activity immediately
“These crimes are often preventable,” Police Chief Don Robinson said in the release. “A few simple steps can significantly reduce the risk.”
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