Birmingham PD investigator offers tips for drivers and business owners to prevent car break-ins

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – In the wake of a spate of car break-ins in St. Vincent’s East, WBRC is speaking with law enforcement to learn more about the issue.

For drivers, experts say it’s simple: lock your doors. They also said to make sure you park in well-lit areas and don’t allow those thieves to rob you easily.

BPD Detective Diandre Miller said there is a way for businesses to protect employee vehicles and make it easier for cops to track potential thieves.

“I think cameras are very, very important,” Miller said.

Detective Miller points out that security cameras are often essential to launching an investigation. Especially if they’re tied to BPD’s Real Time Crime Center.

“As officers, we can’t be everywhere, but these cameras show us not everywhere, but everywhere,” Miller said.

Car break-ins can be frustrating on the job, especially when victims are waiting for updates on investigations.

“It’s kind of like, ‘Fuck, I let them down,’ but you really didn’t, because you really don’t have anything,” Miller said.

It’s a feeling Detective Miller does his best to avoid, but those who break into cars seem to only get better.

“Lately it’s been a bit difficult,” he said. “Now a lot of guys don’t even get out, they just climb from car to car without their feet even touching the ground.”

Detective Miller said many of the thieves are actually teenagers who know the system and the cars they use in these break-ins are often stolen, making it all the more difficult to track them down.

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