By KAREN DAILY
Local law enforcement officers said they caught a thief on video inside a car taking electronics, and they are asking for the public's help tracking him down.
Investigators would like to speak with the man in the surveillance photo to gather information about the slew of car break-ins being reported throughout the City of Aiken, said Cpl. Jeremy Hembree.
This incident occurred on June 9 on the 100 block of Marlboro St. N.E., Hembree said.
"But, we had 11 other cars broken into that evening," he added.
The vehicle the suspect reportedly broke into was equipped with recording equipment, Hembree said.
"We are seeing break-ins all over the City," he explained. "There have been well over 100 (break-ins) this year, since January."
Investigators said the crimes are occurring throughout the City of Aiken.
"It can happen anywhere and to anyone," he said.
Most often, motorists who leave their valuables in plain sight are the ones being targeted.
Purses and electronics are a lure for anyone trying to make a quick steal, police said.
Small electronics are easy to sell on the streets for drugs and money, he said.
But, the police spokesman said thieves will trade a small mp3 player or camera for a ride or even alcohol.
"They sell them or trade them for whatever they need," he said.
Investigators ask that residents pack up their belongings and take them inside at night.
Lock them in the trunk during the day and roll up the windows and keep the doors locked.
There have been occurrences where thieves have watched a victim lock up valuables in the trunk and then break into the trunk.
"But those are much more rare," Hembree said.
Often times thieves are simply pulling on door handles as they walk through parking lots to see what they can get.
Anyone with information related to the identity of the subject or the crime is asked to contact CrimeStoppers of the Midlands at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372). Callers could receive a cash reward up to $1,000.
Karen Daily, a graduate of USC, has been the crime reporter at the Aiken Standard for seven years. She has reported here since 2001.![]()
Local law enforcement officers said they caught a thief on video inside a car taking electronics, and they are asking for the public's help tracking him down.
Investigators would like to speak with the man in the surveillance photo to gather information about the slew of car break-ins being reported throughout the City of Aiken, said Cpl. Jeremy Hembree.
This incident occurred on June 9 on the 100 block of Marlboro St. N.E., Hembree said.
"But, we had 11 other cars broken into that evening," he added.
The vehicle the suspect reportedly broke into was equipped with recording equipment, Hembree said.
"We are seeing break-ins all over the City," he explained. "There have been well over 100 (break-ins) this year, since January."
Investigators said the crimes are occurring throughout the City of Aiken.
"It can happen anywhere and to anyone," he said.
Most often, motorists who leave their valuables in plain sight are the ones being targeted.
Purses and electronics are a lure for anyone trying to make a quick steal, police said.
Small electronics are easy to sell on the streets for drugs and money, he said.
But, the police spokesman said thieves will trade a small mp3 player or camera for a ride or even alcohol.
"They sell them or trade them for whatever they need," he said.
Investigators ask that residents pack up their belongings and take them inside at night.
Lock them in the trunk during the day and roll up the windows and keep the doors locked.
There have been occurrences where thieves have watched a victim lock up valuables in the trunk and then break into the trunk.
"But those are much more rare," Hembree said.
Often times thieves are simply pulling on door handles as they walk through parking lots to see what they can get.
Anyone with information related to the identity of the subject or the crime is asked to contact CrimeStoppers of the Midlands at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372). Callers could receive a cash reward up to $1,000.
Karen Daily, a graduate of USC, has been the crime reporter at the Aiken Standard for seven years. She has reported here since 2001.