I am one of the admins for the Neighborhood Crime Watchers Facebook Page and Group for the Midlands. Over the past couple months we have shared one story after another of vehicles that have been stolen or burglarized. To put some numbers to it, in the past month alone in the Greater Columbia area, including Pine Ridge, Cayce, Lexington, South Congaree, West Columbia, and others, there have been 206 vehicle thefts and 281 vehicles that have been burglarized.
Of the reports we have seen from various members, many have reported of wallets, purses, phones, Christmas gifts, and even cash being stolen from their vehicles during the night hours right from in front of their homes.
We have also shared video clip after video clip where people have captured on their security cameras thugs checking for unlocked car doors at night.
The point being, it is no secret that this activity is taking place in our community at a staggering rate, yet, we continue to hear of and report on stories where these personal and valuable items are being stolen from vehicles over night and right from in front of their homes.
This means that, despite all of these reports, people are still leaving these valuables in their cars over night. This question comes to mind. Why, then, do these people continue to leave such items in their cars over night? Especially those that are members of crime watch groups like this one that know better?
Regardless of what city or state you live in, let’s make this year the year we get smarter. Let’s be more intentional when it comes to our own personal safety and rethink our behavior. Stop catering to the thugs that are disrupting our community and become part of the group that is a Crime Disrupter.
Keep your vehicles parked in well lit areas. Keep them locked. Bring your valuables in for the evening. And above all, PLEASE do not keep firearms in your vehicles. That is the number one thing they are after.
Be safe,
Joe Shahoud
Joe Shahoud is the owner and lead instructor at Safe Family Defense LLC, a firearms training academy that serves the greater Columbia, SC area specializing in pistol, concealed weapons permits, personal defense, and general education in personal safety. Visit their classes page to see what is available and enroll.
Joe is also the owner of Safe Family Safes, an online retailer that specializes in fast-access smart gun safes and other gear essential to the concealed carry lifestyle.
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