Stolen van used in thefts at Midlands businesses

Law enforcement is seeking the public’s help in finding suspects wanted for breaking into and stealing from businesses in Columbia, Forest Acres, Richland County and Lexington County.

Two unidentified suspects are wanted in four multi-jurisdictional burglaries in June.

Redden Mobile Welding, 3942 Farrow Road, was burglarized twice, the first time on June 21. The suspects reportedly entered the business by cutting a lock on the garage door. A bandsaw, a side grinder and a small welder were stolen, all valued at $675.

Redden Mobile Welding was then burglarized again June 29, where the suspects stole a welding machine, two tanks with hoses and a trailer.

A white 1995 Ford Econoline van was stolen from Michael’s Cleaners, 1709 Decker Blvd., June 29. The Forest Acres Police Department responded to the motor vehicle theft and reported the suspect, who was covering his face, drove off with the van followed by someone in a Crown Victoria.

That same day, the suspects also stole a license plate from a 2012 Ford Econoline van at Hobart Services, 2131 Willow Oak Drive.

Surveillance video taken at Redden Mobile Welding during the second burglary there showed one of the suspects wearing shorts, a dark T-shirt and a white bandana around his face. He was described as a black male with medium build. The video showed the suspects stealing the items using a white van.

Lexington County deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle in the woods near a residential neighborhood on Shumpert Drive July 2. The white van, which law enforcement believe was stolen from Michael’s Cleaners, was used in the burglaries.

Anyone with information about the burglaries can contact Crimestoppers at -888-CRIME-SC,www.sccrimestoppers.com or text “TIPSC” plus the message to CRIMES (274637). People who leave tips that lead to an arrest can receive up to $1,000 in reward money.

This story was originally published August 1, 2016 at 10:42 AM.