MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – A Whitehaven mother says her security camera recorded a group of people breaking into her daughter’s car in the family’s driveway early Tuesday morning.
Marchie White said she has lived in her neighborhood for more than 30 years without a similar incident. “I’ve been in my neighborhood for over 30 years, and I’ve never had anything like this to happen,” White said.
What the video caught on camera
The footage shows at least four people: two on the street, one at the top of the driveway, and another breaking into her daughter’s Nissan Rogue. One person is seen rifling through items on the passenger side, while another walks to the back of the vehicle and photographs the license plate.
White said she discovered the break-in when she noticed the driver’s door was not fully closed. “She says when she went to her car she noticed that the driver door was not closed. It was kind of pulled up but kind a little bit ajar,” White said.
Just as the suspects appeared to leave, one returned, got inside the car, and shut the door. White said neighbors turning on their lights scared the group off before they could take the vehicle. “She didn’t have anything in her of value, I think they were really planning on just taking the whole car,” White said.
Technology used in thefts
A local car dealership’s general manager told the reporter that criminals are now using apps on their phones to connect directly to vehicles and drive off without a key.
He said these crimes are becoming more common with older model vehicles from model years 2000 through 2019. He recommended installing a kill switch or purchasing a steering wheel lock to help protect a vehicle.
Memphis theft data trends
According to police data, the incident is one of more than 1,600 thefts from a motor vehicle reported so far this year in Memphis. Nearly 300 were reported last month alone, with another 151 reported through mid-July.
Motor vehicle thefts have shown some improvement in recent months. In May and June, more than 250 were reported in Memphis. So far in mid-July, that number sits at 109.
White said the threat still concerns her. “It is scary, I just think it is awful that they could get this kind of technology and have this kind of access to people’s property and personal information,” she said.
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