Forest Acres Police searching for two people accused of burglary

FOREST ACRES, S.C. (WOLO)– Forest Acres Police are searching for two people accused of being involved in a residential burglary that happened on Saturday.

Investigators say the burglary happened in the 5800 block of Pinebranch Road on Saturday, May 24.

According to FAPD investigators, video footage from inside the Pinebranch Road home shows two men walking around the home, and one person visibly carrying a firearm.

Forensic evidence indicates the men forcibly entered through the back door and remained inside for up to two hours, from about 10 p.m. to midnight.

The homeowners who were not home at the time of the burglary, returned home the following night and discovered the crime when they reviewed their interior camera footage.

The burglary was called into FAPD dispatch around 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, and investigators responded.

Investigators say four firearms have been reported stolen from the home.

Officers believe it was an isolated incident, with no other recent burglaries reported to Forest Acres, the City of Columbia, or Richland County law enforcement that share these same specific crime characteristics.

FAPD Chief Robinson strongly encourages homeowners, if they are going to leave home, to lock their doors and windows, set your alarm systems and leave lights on inside and outside of your home.

“Residential burglaries often increase during the summer months, so it’s important to take extra precautions to protect yourself and your property,” explains Chief Robinson.

In Forest Acres, residents are encouraged to use the police department’s complimentary Property Check program.

If you are going to be out of town, let FAPD know and officers will check your property at least twice a day for up to two weeks while you are away.

To sign up for the free service, call 803-782-9444 or apply here online.