Columbia PD investigating series of auto break-ins
FILE
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Columbia Police Department is investigating a series of auto break-ins that happened at several hotels and neighborhoods, say officers.
Investigators say between May 28, through June 1, multiple cars and pick-up trucks were broken into in the Southeast Columbia near Garners Ferry Road and I-77, the Harbison area, and North Columbia in the Candi Lane/River Drive areas.
CPD says the department’s Property Crimes Unit (PCU) is working to determine if the break-ins are related.
Investigators believe juveniles or young adults either broke into the vehicles or gained entry through unlocked doors in the Southeast and Harbison incidents.
In all of the cases, items stolen include money, debit cards, miscellaneous jewelry, identification documents, and firearms.
Here are safety tips to help properly secure your vehicle and personal items, including firearms:
- Lock door and windows
- Remove or hide valuables
- Remove vehicle keys
- Don’t leave spare key inside vehicle
- Invest in security alarm
- Properly secure firearm in locked box or case with gunlock on the firearm
- Never leave a firearm in plain view inside a vehicle
- Report gun theft to police
Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook says while CPD investigators work leads in the case, citizen’s surveillance video to aid the case should be uploaded through this link:
https://columbiapdsc.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/250012248.
Citizens with information about the crimes can also contact CrimeStoppers in any of the following ways: CALL toll-free, 1-888-CRIME-SC, log onto www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab, and download the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.
