Columbia Police Department (CPD) officers are processing more than 100 vehicles for
potential evidence in an effort to identify and locate the suspect (s) responsible for breaking
into them at three apartment complexes overnight. The incidents have been assigned to
CPD’s Property Crimes Unit.
The locations are:
5000 Forest Apartments – 5000 Forest Drive
Dispatch time – Shortly after 4:00 a.m.
Approximate Count – more than 20
Broad River Trace Apartments – 551 Riverhill Circle
Dispatch Time – Shortly before 5:30 a.m.
Approximate Count – more than 70
42 Magnolia Apartments – 922 Autumn Circle
Dispatch Time – shortly after 6:00 a.m.
Approximate Count – more than 10
Officers believe that most of the vehicles, ranging from 4-door sedans to pick-up trucks and
jeeps were locked at the time of the crime. The suspect (s) likely forced his way inside the
vehicles by breaking glass windows. The stolen items include purses or wallets, firearms
accessories, debit cards, loose change, and glasses. Throughout the day, victims have
reported the crime to officers who have been at the crime scenes since early this morning.
Auto-Breaking Prevention Tips:
Do not leave your vehicle unattended with keys in the ignition. No idling
Do not hide an extra set of keys inside a vehicle
Always lock the vehicle’s doors
Close windows/sunroof
So not leave valuables in plain view, including firearms
Consider anti-theft security devices/alarms
Police Chief W.H. ‘Skip’ Holbrook encourages citizens with information about the incidents
to contact CRIMESTOPPERS in any of the following ways:
CALL toll-free, 888-CRIME-SC.
LOG onto www.midlandscrimestoppers.com, and click on the red “Submit a tip” tab.
DOWNLOAD the new P3 Tips App for Apple or Android devices.