WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Sandfly man concerned about home break-ins
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Jason WoodsBy Michelle Paynter - bio | email
SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Home burglaries are on the rise. According to crime numbers from the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Department, before the sun comes up tomorrow, six homes will be broken into.
Jason Woods lives in the Sandfly neighborhood in Southeastern Chatham County. He and his family were victims of a burglary October 12. The thief kicked in his door and stole guns and electronics.
Now a month later he is more concerned than ever about crime in his neighborhood. "It has really changed our lives and perspective on things," he said.
He started using a crime mapping tool on SCMPD's website. It's updated every two hours and can show the crimes committed within a mile radius of any home in Chatham County.
Since Woods' home was broken into there have been seven other break ins in the Norwood Drive area. One break in happened just a few doors down this past Saturday.
SCMPD captain Scott Simpkins says he stepped up patrols in the area. But ultimately he says it's up to each and every homeowner to protect their property.
His best advice: Come out of your door this evening, go to the left and to the right and meet your neighbor.
Simpkins says looking out for each other goes along way. So does locking every door and window in your home.
"Property crime is a crime of opportunity," he said. "We take one or two burglars or groups of burglars off the street, it doesn't take long for someone else to step up and do that again."
And keep in mind, in Chatham County, police say not a day goes bay without someone's home being burglarized.
"After knowing what my family and I went through, it's pretty amazing to think 6 other families are going through that every day," said Woods.
Police say it can happened to anyone in any part of town.
Police say they caught the man who broke into Woods' home. The suspect, Mikhail Hayes, is in the Chatham County jail.
Police say if you ever notice someone suspicious on your street, alert your neighbors and call police.
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