Persistent car break-ins within busy Dekalb County community has business owners frustrated

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A string of car break-ins in one Dekalb County community has left business owners and workers frustrated.

Police records show 18 in the past two months and 40 so far this year. It’s happening in a one mile radius around Snapfinger Woods Dr. and Interstate 20.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Suveillance videos show thieves using woods nearby and holes in fences as shortcuts and hiding spots. They break in car windows and steal what they can grab quickly inside and run off, always hiding their faces with hoodies.

“Do something better!” said Quentalyn Stephens.

Stephens is a customer in the busy business area. She said someone stole her car in this area last year.

TRENDING STORIES:

• DeKalb County tearing down house after Channel 2 investigation found man living in driveway
• Cherokee man convicted for the 5th time for stalking ex-girlfriend, banned from Georgia
• More people say they’re getting their money back from Georgia after Channel 2 investigation

“I’ve been there,” said Stephens. “I felt like I was violated.”

Business owners and workers there said they fear retaliation if they speak out publicly. They said surveillance video warnings, light of day and number of people around to catch them doesn’t seem to phase the thieves.

They’re hoping more police patrols will slow down the break-ins.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:

2 men shot, killed near northwest Atlanta shopping center overnight The Atlanta Police Department is investigating the deaths of two victims in northwest Atlanta.

©2023 Cox Media Group