APD responding to several weekend car thefts

(ALBANY, GA) – With the Albany Police Department noting more car break ins going as far back late November, the APD is dealing with a new development

From burglaries…to the cars now being stolen outright.

“It’s an opportunity for them. If they see the opportunity in east albany, they’re going to take it. If they see the opportunity in central albany, they’re going to take it,” Says APD Patrolman, Keaundra Woodall.

Woodall says the recent snap of cold weather gives thieves an added opportunity into people’s cars.,

He tells us, “…Keys were left inside, and or the cars were left unlocked, unsecured. And most were saying, ‘okay, due to the cold, i’m going out and warming my vehicle…”

Albany police are warning against confronting those breaking into cars, as they could lead to an altercation, much like what happened at Lucky Break Billiards less than a week earlier.

Owners, William and Shannon Goodwin recall the night that left him with three gunshot wounds, when they saw their car being burglarized.

Shannon told us Monday evening, “If it hadn’t been for us leaving the cars running, and them being out in an open space, we would’ve all been shot. So i do think the cars running actually saved us.”

While William and Shannon say they’re fortunate to have escaped with their lives, it’s given him second thoughts.

They said, “I’d say let them have the car and call the police. It’s not worth it (definitely not worth it.) it’s not worth going through the pain, or watching your loved one suffer and go through what you’re going through.”

If you have any information on a stolen car, you can call the Albany Police at (229) 431-2100 or Albany Crimestoppers (229) 436-8477