YORK COUNTY, N.C. — Over 24 cars were broken into in Lake Wylie on Feb. 23, prompting the York County Sheriff’s Office to seek public assistance in identifying the suspects.
In a video released by authorities, one suspect is seen opening an unlocked car and stealing its contents, while another suspect stands guard, pointing a firearm at the victim’s camera.
The armed suspect was also seen tauntingly dancing at the camera before moving on to the next victim.
Deputy Trent Farris called the incident captured on video alarming.
“He heard the whistle, and he points the gun up at the camera and then does a little dance like you’re not going to do anything,” said Farris.
One homeowner shared that they left their truck unlocked and their gun that was inside was stolen.
“Take your firearms out of your car. If that’s the only thing you take out of your car, that would make me and the sheriff happy, because now four firearms are in the hands of criminals to do God knows what,” Farris explained. “The biggest message that we want to tell folks is, for Pete’s sake, lock your car doors.”
According to the sheriff’s office, 22 cars were also broken into on Feb. 25.
Those break-ins took place in Hyde Park Lane, Autumn Ridge Lane in the Knights Bridge subdivision, Gates Mills Drive at the Legacy Apartments, and the Bromley Village Drive Apartments in Fort Mill.
However, deputies have not confirmed if these incidents are connected.
Channel 9 spoke with Tyler Droppers, who said his parents were visiting his home in Fort Mill when their car was broken into.
“It was a mess. I mean, they definitely were throwing stuff around,” Droppers explained. “They had left their cars open, so it was just easy pickings to go in.”
He later learned that his parents were just one of dozens of victims.
Authorities have advised the public not to confront individuals they witness breaking into cars and to call 911 immediately.
The York County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who recognizes the suspects to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-877-409-4321.
VIDEO: Multiple vehicle break-ins reported at Ballantyne apartments
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