Car Break-Ins

James Island is suffering from another of our periodic episodes of car break-ins.   The criminals go down the street looking for unlocked cars.   If the car is locked, they move on.  If it is unlocked, they rummage through the car looking fore something valuable.   We get reports of stolen handguns, laptops, and smart phones. 

The problem started several months ago, and I told Sargent Shawn James, coordinator of the Island Sheriff's Patrol, that catching these criminals is our top priority.  The Island Sheriff's Patrol are Sheriff's Deputies that the Town pays for extra law enforcement in our area. Sheriff Cannon has also directed more of his resources at this problem.  And the City of Charleston Police Department is also working closely with our Deputies to catch the criminals.

In the past, a criminal is caught and jailed.   The problem goes away for a time.   And then some new criminal starts, or else sadly, a criminal gets out of jail and goes back to stealing.  Sometime the criminals are from James Island, other times they are travelling here from somewhere else in the Lowcountry every night.

One of our Island Sheriff Patrol Officers caught three criminals breaking into a car a few weeks ago.   They were juveniles and they were released to their parents, though they will be brought before a judge and subject to punishment.   Usually, that process takes a long time and I have no report on the disposition of the case. Thankfully, the break-ins slowed down.

It is my understanding, that the problem was not solely the three who were caught.   There is a much larger group involved.   And the Island Sheriff's Patrol and City Police have not stopped looking for more criminals.   At the July Town Council meeting, Detectives from both the Sheriff's Department and the Charleston Police Department reported that they were working together to solve this problem. 

During the last week, the break-ins are back at the higher rate of a few weeks ago.  Sadly, the lull was only temporary.

On Tuesday, August 6, it is time again for National Night Out.   There will be a gathering at James Island Town Hall.   The purpose of the event is to bring the community and law enforcement together.   There will be police and fire equipment to see, hot dogs, snowcones, and a jump castle. 

But on a more serious note, representatives of the James Island Neighborhood Council will be on hand to sign people up for neighborhood watch.   Please come and sign up to become involved in your neighborhood--especially crime watch.

If you hear noises, your dogs start barking, look out the window.   If you see something suspicious late at night--call 911.  It is very likely that we have law enforcement on James Island just waiting for a call so they can find these criminals.

If you check out your car and someone has gone through your glove box, be sure to call it in.  Call 843-743-7200.  It is helpful to know where the criminals have been active.   

And most importantly, lock all of your cars every night.  These criminals don't seem to be breaking into houses yet (or much,) but lock your doors too--every night.   While they are passing buy locked cars, don't leave valuables in the car, especially where they can be seen.   While they mostly pass locked cars by, they might not if they see some valuable loot.

If we work together, with our local law enforcement, we can catch these criminals.