Ashburn sees a rise in auto break-ins and enterings

ASHBURN, Ga. – The City of Ashburn has been dealing with a rash people breaking and entering into cars.

I sat down with Ashburn Chief of Police Richard Purvis about what’s causing this and what people in Turner County can do to be one step ahead.

Chief Purvis says that with the intense heat in the summer, it’s been the perfect crime of opportunity…

Even in a small community like Ashburn.

“This is south Georgia, this is rural south Georgia, you know. And, we always think that our neighbors are just as good as family. But you know, leaving wallets, leaving guns, leaving stuff of value; iPads, stuff like that in vehicles, you’re just wanting people to grab it,” said Chief Richard Purvis, Ashburn Police Dept.

While no buildings have been broken into and no windows have been smashed yet, the Ashburn Police says most thieves are simply going around and seeing which cars are unlocked.

That’s why they’re working with members of the community and using every resource available to them to stop thieves.

“They’re only checking if the car is unlocked. They’re not trying to go up to doors, they’re not trying to ramble through barns. They’re just trying to find what is easy to get to,” said Chief Purvis.

And, of course there’s the classic piece of advice: if you see something, to say something…

“If you see a suspicious car, you know, one that’s parked on the side of the road and one that seems out of the norm call us. Let us be the ones to check it out,” said Chief Purvis.

In addition to making sure you clear out your car at the end of the day, Chief Purvis also says to have what he calls a 9 PM routine where you check your car on your property to make sure it’s locked up.

And, if you are the victim of a break-in to your car, you can contact the Ashburn Police Department at 229-567-2323.

Brian Roche reporting.

Copyright 2023 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.