Jones County Sheriff’s Office closer to solving 17-car break-in case

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Jones County investigators believe they’re closer to finding the men they say broke into 17 cars in one night.

Investigators say the break-ins happened around the Joycliff Road area in the early morning hours of June 6th.
   
They have surveillance video of two of the suspects, but they’re still looking for a third possible thief.

“How quiet it is right now is normally how quiet it is all the time,” said resident Addarious Alexander.

But during the early morning of June 6th, the quiet on Spradley Drive was interrupted.

“Residents were awakening and finding their vehicles had been broken into,” said Investigator Kenny Gleaton.

14 residences.

“It kinda stung me at first,” said Alexander.

17 cars.

“When you let your guard down that’s the kind of thing that happens I guess,” said Alexander.

One night.

“Some of the vehicles were unlocked and that’s how the culprits gained access,” said Gleaton. “But on several of them, they knocked out or broke windows to gain access.”

Gleaton was surprised at the number of cars targeted in multiple neighborhoods.

“Obviously just the sheer volume in this instance, I mean it’s not normal for us to have 14 separate incidents in one evening,” said Gleaton.

Not to mention the surprise Alexander felt when he walked outside to find his truck missing.

“I woke up to go to work,” said Alexander. “I opened my door up on the carport, and I parked my truck on the corner and I saw it was gone.”

Two men were caught on surveillance video at a gas station.

Investigators believe they could have been among the thieves.

Their theory: They stole Alexander’s truck to get around to the other neighborhoods in the Joycliff Road area.

“But that vehicle that was stolen was ultimately recovered over in the area of Jeffersonville Road in Bibb County,” said Gleaton.

But here’s the kicker–they didn’t get away with much at all.

They reportedly took other items like cash, pocket knives and sunglasses.

“Not what you would think with that many cars being hit, a substantial amount of property was taken,” said Gleaton. “Most of the vehicles–several of vehicles, matter of fact, there was absolutely nothing taken.”

But still, Alexander won’t be taking any chances.

“Make sure my doors are locked on my automobiles and just be a little bit more alert,” said Alexander.

Gleaton advised residents everywhere to be sure their car doors are locked at night.
   
He said a well-lit driveway will deter thieves as well.

If you have any information about the case–especially if you recognize those men pass the info along to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office at 478-986-3489.