Uptick in crime on DI prompts stern warning from police
It might have started as simple teenage shenanigans - kids sneaking out in the night to engage in a little pubescent mischief. But police report that the suspects’ actions are no laughing matter. And those responsible could face stiff penalties.
“It’s gone from stealing beer, to stealing golf carts and cars, to stealing firearms,” said Lt. James Byrne, Commander of Team 5 on Daniel Island. “…At the time we had a firearm stolen (two weekends ago), we also had shots fired in the same area…It is not practical jokes and hijinks and fun and games anymore. We have a number of strong investigative leads and there will likely be more warrants and charges coming soon.”
Over the last several weeks, there have been four thefts of golf carts from residential garages in the Pierce Park and Smythe Park areas. All of the garages were unlocked and open at the time of the incidents, and the keys were in the ignitions. Three were abandoned in other locations on the island, and one was returned damaged to the garage it was taken from. In addition to the golf carts, two vehicles were stolen – one from a garage and another from its parking space on the street. The first was recovered, but the second is still missing. A resident on Blakeway Street also reported to police that beer was stolen from their garage.
“While we love having this community that makes us feel safe and secure, we need to take a few positive actions to ensure that it stays that way,” added Lt. Byrne. “In these cases, unfortunately a small group of people have decided to take advantage of the environment we enjoy living in. It’s all been open doors, unlocked doors, unlocked vehicles and immediate accessibility…All these (suspects) are doing is shopping the neighborhood.”
And most recently, a firearm left in a parked, unlocked car, was also taken and is still unaccounted for. Police found a bullet hole in the recovered stolen vehicle, said Byrne.
“My concern, especially now that we have at least one firearm out there, is that either a resident is going to try to defend his property with force, or somebody who shouldn’t have this gun is going to use it for a criminal act.”
As for the thefts from garages, police warn the punishment is not to be taken lightly.
“Somebody who goes into a garage at night can be charged, and in fact will be charged in at least one of the cases, with burglary first degree, which is a felony punishable by up to life imprisonment,” said Lt. Byrne. “The minimum sentence is 15 years…And age 17 in South Carolina, for charging, is an adult.”
On May 2, Lt. Byrne reported to The Daniel Island News that three teenagers had been arrested on various charges related to the recent crime spree. A 15 year-old Hanahan resident was charged last week in Family Court with grand larceny. On Monday, a 15 year-old Mount Pleasant resident surrendered on Family Court charges of first degree burglary and grand larceny, and a 16 year-old Cainhoy Peninsula resident was arrested on General Sessions charges of first degree burglary and grand larceny.
“Additional charges, against these individuals or others, could still result from the continuing investigations,” stated Lt. Byrne.
WHAT TEENS AND PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
When it comes to alcohol, Lt. Byrne reiterated that possession of any alcoholic beverage, even if it’s brand new and in a sealed container, is illegal for those under the age of 21.
“Possession in any form, under the age of 21, is against the law. And so is transferring it to somebody under the age of 21, or buying it for someone else.”
The only exception is if a parent gives alcohol to their own child, Lt. Byrne added. But parents may not give alcohol, or even consent to give alcohol, to someone other than their own child, he explained.
“A parent cannot allow kids to come into the home and drink in the home, and have that be OK. The parent can only consent to his or her own child. The other kids – that parent is culpable for.”
According to Lt. Byrne, the crime uptick on the island began around Spring Break time. With summer vacation fast approaching, teens will have even more idle time. He urged parents to keep kids busy with activities such as work, sports, camps and other activities. He also suggested they pay close attention to what their children are up to.
“We are winding up a school year which means students will be starting to have more pent up energy and a little bit of going stir crazy, but this is the time and situation where parents need to more closely monitor their children’s activities, to include sneaking out in the middle of the night,” he said.
Byrne advised residents to limit easy access to things like keys to golf carts, not just for their own children, but for those who might be guests in their home, or for would-be-criminals just passing by. And by all means, keep doors locked and property secured. If a home has a security alarm and teens might be spending the night, consider arming the system or at least setting the door chimes, he added. That way parents will be alerted if someone goes in or out. And one of the best ways to deter potentially bad behavior, Byrne added, is to simply talk to your kids.
“Ask them point blank what they are doing,” he said. “Ask if they are going out at night. Or if they know people who are going out? And what are they involved in? Ask them where they are going, who they are going with, who is driving, and what time they will be home…And don’t ask via text. Ask them eye to eye, and face to face…It’s easier (to lie) behind the mask of a cell phone.”
Even if a teen is not engaging in any criminal activities themselves, there is guilt by association, added Lt. Byrne.
“Everybody likes to believe their kid is not involved in this, but they might associate with someone who is. So even if that’s the case, it’s important to remember that when we catch them, the actions of one person in the group can be attributed to all parties in that group. Even if they are riding as a passenger in a stolen golf cart. Now it’s receiving stolen goods, or even grand larceny, depending on the value of it. So if it’s not something that you would want your kid involved in, even at the periphery, limit their association.”
As for the recent crimes, Byrne and his team believe at least some of the people involved have various associations with Daniel Island.
“The people that we’ve identified so far have strong ties to Daniel Island, if they are not residents” he said. “Some are going to be residents and some are going to have strong ties. This is not a matter of outsiders coming in. This is insiders taking advantage of what’s around them.”
Lt. Byrne stressed that his suggestions are not meant to imply that all teens are bad, or that parents are parenting incorrectly. He merely hopes to raise awareness of some of the behavior occurring on the island in an effort to prevent future crimes.
“The vast majority of kids in Team 5 I don’t know, which is a great thing!” he said. “…This spike (in crime) is abnormal. This is still a wonderful, welcoming place. We are working to keep it safe and secure. I would just ask for a greater level of attention to personal security and crime prevention.”
That includes a timely reporting of suspicious behavior, Lt. Byrne added. Anyone who sees something out of the ordinary, or wishes to report a crime, is asked to contact police as soon as possible by calling (843) 743-7200.
“Please don’t feel like you’re bothering us,” he said. “Or that it’s too small for us to be worried about. Call us and let us know.”
OTHER POLICE BLOTTER ITEMS
Over the last month or so, police have also responded to three incidents of road rage, two involving firearms. One occurred on April 16, near the intersection of I-526 near Clements Ferry Road, and led to an arrest. Another remains under investigation. A third was classified as an aggravated assault involving a pipe or bar.
“All of these occurred in the I-526/Clements Ferry Road area and not on Daniel Island proper,” said Lt. Byrne. “…There is no need to chase people. Just get a tag and if someone cuts you off don’t try to get the last word or resolve the incident yourself. Let us know and we’ll see what we can do. Remember that people are out there that have firearms and you never know what they’re willing to do. Why take the chance?”
There were also reports of identity theft, a stolen bike from a Daniel Island apartment complex, a vehicle break-in in a neighborhood off Hwy. 41, and an intoxicated person who was cited and removed from the Southern Ground Music Festival on Daniel Island.