Burglary, thefts investigated
Published 9:58 pm Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Law enforcement officers in Carrollton and Smithfield are investigating a commercial burglary and rash of thefts from vehicles that occurred overnight on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The commercial burglary happened at the Verizon Wireless store at 13440 Carrollton Blvd. An Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s deputy responded to an alarm notification about 1:25 a.m. and found the glass in the front door had been shot out. Once inside, the offenders ransacked the store and attempted to remove electronic items, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.
It was the fourth time in less than six months that deputies have responded to this location for similar incidents.
As deputies were clearing that incident up, numerous calls began to come in about cars that were entered during the night and had items of value removed. At least 30 vehicles were the targets of the crimes, according to the press release.
In most of the incidents, the cars were left unlocked, but in some cases the owners are positive the cars were locked. Electronics including laptops, iPods, GPS units and more were taken.
The neighborhoods of Gatling Pointe South, Woodbridge and Eagle Harbor Apartments were the primary target areas, according to the release.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables when they are away from them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Tips can be submitted by sending a text to “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword IOWCL. Tipsters never have to give their names or appear in court and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.