CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) — After several auto thefts in the new year, police are asking Chatham County residents to lock their cars and never leave valuables inside.
Two masked men were seen on home surveillance cameras in Chapel Park, off Berwick Boulevard, in the early morning hours on Monday. Alissa Wilbur said she was shocked to see video outside her home when she woke up.
"There were two men just creeping beside the cars on the side of our home. It's really unsettling to see that," Wilbur said. "Of course, mine was open and they went through it, but they luckily didn't take anything of mine."
Others weren't so lucky, and Chapel Park isn't the only neighborhood where it's been happening.
According to CCPD, there have been eight thefts from auto reports filed within the last week.
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The items stolen from multiple vehicles include five firearms, three wallets, two purses, one set of Beats headphones and $1,800 in cash. The items may not seem like much, but it's still a scary for homeowners.
"Just makes you feel icky knowing someone's on your property and in your car," Wilbur said.
CCPD Chief Jeff Hadley stood in front of the commissioners Monday in awe that this is so common.
"I kind of stand here scratching my head, quite frankly," Hadley said. "I wish I had a magical answer. We make a lot of effort. We do a lot of outreach."
According to Hadley, things were getting better in 2023, but the number of guns stolen from cars nearly doubled in 2024 from 63 to 130.
The majority of those cars were unlocked, according to statistics.
Guns stolen from vehicles in 2024, according to Chatham County Police.
Chief Hadley told the commission he was frustrated.
"We'll continue our outreach efforts, making the public aware and encouraging them to lock their vehicles," Hadley said. "But at the end of the day, it's entirely on the citizens as to whether or not they do that in a responsible manner."
Prevention Tips:
- Always lock your vehicle, even if you are in your own driveway or just leaving the vehicle for a moment.
- Do not store firearms in your vehicle. If you must leave a firearm in your vehicle, store it in a lock box or gun safe that is secured to the inside of the vehicle.
- Do not store valuable items in your vehicle. If you must keep valuables inside your car, make sure that they are out of sight.