An arrest has been made in connection with a dozen burglaries this past weekend in the Ridgewood area, Columbia Police Chief said Tuesday afternoon at a press conference.
Harley Ford, 22, of Columbia was arrested Tuesday morning for the automobile break-ins. He has been charged with three counts of auto burglary, and more charges are expected.
Saturday morning police officers responded to 12 reports of auto burglaries on Orchard Drive, Gill Street and Ridgewood subdivision. Investigation into the matter determined the break-ins occurred during the morning hours of Oct. 10.
Kelly said within 10 hours of the last reported burglary, the police was able to determine a primary suspect and began the process of securing an arrest warrant.
“The criminal investigation side, major crime and crime suppression teams worked very well together in order to establish a suspect and be able to make the arrest early this morning. An absolute outstanding job,” Kelly said.
The chief said crimes like these in residential areas are often called “crimes of opportunity.” A criminal will check vehicle doors, and if the door is unlocked, they will take the opportunity to help themselves to the valuables.
In response to this, Kelly said the police department is developing a “9 p.m. routine.” At 9 p.m. he suggests citizens to go outside and check their surroundings. He asks people to make sure vehicles are locked up with no valuables viewable. Things such as purses and electronics should be taken inside at night, and packages sitting on the porch should be taken inside as well.
Kelly said there are not enough officers to be on every street and in neighborhoods at all times, but there are citizens who can help. He said a lot of people won’t call because they are afraid they are bothering the officers. He said if a neighbor’s dog is normally quiet and is suddenly going crazy at 2 a.m., call it in so it can be investigated. The dog may have seen someone suspicious, he said.
Before COVID-19 shut down everything, Kelly said the department would occasionally have a front porch gathering at a citizen’s home. Kelly said the program is going to begin again except it will be more of a neighborhood watch block party. The first one will be held Thursday at 5 p.m. on Orchard Drive.
