The Greenville Police Department is warning drivers to be on the lookout for car break-ins, as the number of incidents has been on the rise in recent months.
According to police, most car break-ins in Greenville happen on Sunday between midnight and 5am. The department is urging drivers to take steps to protect their vehicles, including locking their doors, parking in well-lit areas, and activating their car alarms.
Police also recommend installing cameras at your home to deter thieves and help identify them if a break-in does occur.
In addition to taking these precautions, drivers should also be aware of what they are "advertising" with decals on their vehicles. Thieves may be more likely to target vehicles that have decals that indicate the owner has valuables inside, such as guns or electronics.
So far this year, police have seen 418 auto break-ins in Greenville, with 75 firearms stolen. Forty cases have been cleared by arrest.
Police Chief Howie Thompson recently appeared on the Simple Civics: Greenville County podcast to discuss the issue of car break-ins. He urged drivers to take steps to protect their vehicles and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
Tips for Preventing Car Break-Ins
- Lock your doors, even if you are only going to be away from your car for a few minutes.
- Park in well-lit areas, if possible.
- Activate your car alarm.
- Install cameras at your home.
- Don't advertise what you own with decals on your vehicle.
- Keep items in your car out of sight.
If you see something suspicious, report it to the police.
Listen in to Chief Howie Thompson on Greenville County's Simple Civics podcast.
