FOX Carolina 21Greenville neighborhoods warn residents about break-ins

Greenville neighborhoods warn residents about break-ins

"Be on watch for thefts and break-ins," is what some Greenville County neighborhoods are telling their residents.

Greenville Police and the Sheriff's Office said there aren't more break-ins than usual, but they may be in unexpected areas and officials want everyone to be aware.

A Greenville County subdivision has begun warning each other to keep watch after a man was seen entering or attempting to enter homes and cars.

"I was sitting in my chair and I saw a guy walk into my garage, and I thought it was my son, expecting to come over here for my birthday dinner, and it was somebody else," said Mike Albrecht. "He waved to me, so I came out and looked, and he walked between my two cars looking at my generator, and I asked what he was doing."

The man left, but Greenville County deputies have since arrested a suspect, Calvin Wilson. He's accused of breaking in and stealing from cars and houses in Albrecht's neighborhood, and other areas.

Now, more people in the neighborhood close their garage doors and stay vigilant.

Police suggest getting to know your neighbors, not to assume your things are safe when left unsecured and to call 911 as soon as anything suspicious takes place.

A Greenville apartment complex gave their residents a letter, warning people who live there to lock their doors, insure their belongings and look for suspicious behavior. This comes after recent break-ins. Sgt. Rampey said this is a common reaction after crimes have taken place.

"At that point, it's too late," said Sgt. Rampey. "Nobody wakes up in the morning thinking, ‘I'm going to be a victim today.' Or leaves their car behind to go into their home thinking, ‘I'm going to be a victim.' With that mindset, you're probably going to be a victim."

Rampey said apartment complexes are at greater risk for break-ins since there are more cars in a smaller area, which may make it more appealing for thieves.

Police remind people to lock their doors when they leave their cars and also not to leave anything inside, like spare change, an iPod or a purse, which could tempt a thief to break a window.

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