Local law enforcement raise concerns about the increase in car thefts

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)–Local law enforcement agencies are working to crack down on the recent uptick in car break-ins and grand theft autos across Charleston County.

On Monday, North Charleston police arrested five suspects along Dorchester Road for breaking into cars in neighborhoods like Legends at Charleston Park and Jamison Park over the weekend.

“The city experienced a rash of break-ins reported over the weekend Sunday morning in the Green Ridge area. There were 29 car break-ins, including the elevator apartments off Green Ridge. They had 10 car break-ins. Also, the Jameson Park Apartments had 19 methods of entry for all the incidents and had the same broken windows,” said Joshua Silva, a crime prevention officer for the North Charleston Police Department.

Earlier this month in Ladson, a Hellcat charger was stolen from the Right Choice automotive car dealership. Surveillance video shows the unknown suspect getting in the car and driving off. We’re told the suspect could access the vehicle by hacking into its computer system.  Randy Kennedy, a manager at the shop, says the incident left him speechless. 

“My heart sinks when you look on the cameras and see that your 60+ thousand-dollar car sitting out there the night before is not there. You get the sinking feeling that you know you feel violated. You feel like somebody’s in your space, and there’s just a lot that can be done about it,” said Randy Kennedy, General Manager of Right Choice Automotive.  

Officials said there are simple steps to avoid being a victim of these crimes.

“Use your common sense, be diligent, and be consistent. It is sometimes inconvenient, but it would be that one time that you didn’t remember to turn your car off,” said Joshua Silva, the crime prevention officer for the North Charleston Police Department.

Officials said if you know something, say something and contact your local law enforcement’s non-emergency number and report the crime.