Security Update 

As a few of my dedicated readers know, we have had a flurry of thefts from unlocked vehicles during the last two months. As previously reported, a resident juvenile was identified and processed in the juvenile system for at least two of the thefts. Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) continues its investigation, and the juvenile may be linked to more incidents. Another resident was arrested for felony theft in connection with a separate incident that involved the theft of two firearms from an unlocked vehicle. The resident was released on bond, and CCPD continues its investigation for possible links to other crimes. As you know, suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

According to a Savannah Morning News article and report from WJCL, the number of stolen guns decreased slightly in 2023, to 244 from 278 in 2022, within Savannah city limits. Savannah Police Department (SPD) reported that 83% (203) of the guns were from cars that were unlocked. Fewer guns were stolen from vehicles in unincorporated Chatham County during 2023 (63 guns) than 2022 (96 guns). The majority of vehicles (55) were left unlocked. In The Landings, there have been 10 guns stolen from nine vehicles since 2020. All of the vehicles were unlocked.

In the manufacturing industry as well as other industries, the term “root cause analysis” comes to mind. Criminals will be criminals, and they will steal and, typically, lie about it. However, if you look at the root cause of most of these thefts, it was unlocked vehicles or unsecure property, resulting in the loss of valuables, guns, etc. Remove the root cause, in this case, the unlocked vehicle or unsecure property, from the equation, and these criminal acts drop significantly. A rather lengthy way to say please lock your vehicles and homes and secure your valuables.

The City of Savannah recently passed an ordinance regarding guns left in unlocked vehicles. The new ordinance is a hot topic on social media, and some interesting perspectives can be found online (www.wsav.com/now/new-city-gun-ordinance-sparks-debate-on-social-media). It will be interesting to see if the County follows suit with a similar ordinance.

Stay well,