Attempts at auto break-ins have Isle of Palms police urging residents to be especially careful heading into spring. Officers have already responded to three reports this year.
Although the number is manageable, police are still investigating all three attempts with no arrests made yet – and want everyone to take all security precautions available to prevent any further attempts.
“We want to get the word to people to keep their doors locked and don’t leave any valuables in their cars,” said IOPPD Sgt. Matt Storen. “Usually it’s juveniles or young adults just wandering around and pulling door handles until they find one that’s opened.”
In early February, police reported a break-in during which money, medicine and other items were stolen from a convertible with the top down. The male suspect has already been identified in that case and warrants are pending for his arrest.
“For people who attempt break-ins, it’s mostly just to get anything of value they can – loose change, sunglasses, cell phones, laptops, guns or anything left in a car,” Storen said. “Keeping doors locked is the best deterrent.”
Storen recommended other preventive steps such as motion sensor lighting and video camera surveillance for home driveways, which Storen said have already aided investigators on the three unsuccessful attempts. “Detectives are working the case with good leads, thanks to video evidence supplied by residents.”
An auto break-in constitutes a felony charge, which upon conviction can carry up to five years in jail, fines up to $1,000 or both, or any alternative measure the judge may decide.
“It’s considered property crime and that’s something we deal with a lot out here,” Storen said. “And these kinds of crimes can lead to bigger crimes – such as using a gun to rob someone or some place.”
During 2023, IOPPD filed 12 reports of breaking into a motor vehicle. In 2024, that number decreased significantly to four.
Now that South Carolina has permitted open carry for its gun laws, the chance of finding a gun in someone’s car might be a further incentive for people to attempt break-ins – especially with the annual tourist season approaching and more vehicles needing public places to park.
“While we see break-ins throughout the year, in summer we tend to see more juvenile crime,” Storen added. “So don’t make it easy for criminals to just walk in or break in and steal something.”
By L. C. Leach III
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