Greenville Car Break-Ins Have Residents On High Alert

by WAKA Action 8 News

CBS 8 and ABC Montgomery are taking action against crime — a series of car break-ins has Greenville residents on high alert and police searching for the person who did the crime.

Greenville Police say car break-ins happen every so often in the city, but very rarely do they have several break-ins at one time in the same area. Now, they need your help to find the thief.

This photo isn’t showing a rolled down window. When you look in the passenger seat, you’ll find glass shattered. And not just one car.

Greenville Police say four cars parked behind Gardner Eyecare in Greenville were broken into. Caleb Gardner’s truck was one of them.

“Well, when I came out the door, the first thing I saw was the police cars there and glass all over the place and my employees pale faced and trying to figure out what was happening,” Said Gardner.

Police say several items were stolen including electronics and money. Chief investigator, Justin Lovvorn, says the most concerning item taken was a gun. He says the burglar could be armed.

“Our sense is heightened in having to deal with that person and we’re more concerned for the public in general… they’re willing to commit a crime, in this aspect. Then what are they going to do next time now that they do have a weapon in their access?” Said Lovvorn, who says police are patrolling the streets.

Gardner says until the person is caught, he and his employees are shaken up. It’s why he’s added cameras along his business and changed all of his locks.

“You have this feeling of safety and security that just gets taken away from you completely whenever something like this happens. So no, we never expected this,” Said Gardner.
    
And Gardner says all those security items have been about an extra $1,500 he’s had to spend. Police say they do have a person-of-interest they’re looking into and there could be several people involve in these break-ins. They say they were able to get DNA evidence and prints.
 

If you have any information about these incidents, call Greenville Police at 334-382-7461. Or Crimestoppers at  215-STOP.