MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – A Whitehaven mother says her security camera recorded a group of people breaking into her daughter\u2019s car in the family\u2019s driveway early Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n
Marchie White said she has lived in her neighborhood for more than 30 years without a similar incident. \u201cI\u2019ve been in my neighborhood for over 30 years, and I\u2019ve never had anything like this to happen,\u201d White said.<\/p>\n
What the video caught on camera<\/p>\n
The footage shows at least four people: two on the street, one at the top of the driveway, and another breaking into her daughter\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
White said she discovered the break-in when she noticed the driver\u2019s door was not fully closed. \u201cShe 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,\u201d White said.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cShe didn\u2019t have anything in her of value, I think they were really planning on just taking the whole car,\u201d White said.<\/p>\n
Technology used in thefts<\/p>\n
A local car dealership\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Memphis theft data trends<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
White said the threat still concerns her. \u201cIt is scary, I just think it is awful that they could get this kind of technology and have this kind of access to people\u2019s property and personal information,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n