- April 15, 2024
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Every car broken into and stolen in Ormond Beach over a two-week period was unlocked, said Ormond Beach Police Sgt. Thomas Elkins during a Crime View presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the police department.
The criminal investigations unit supervisor said there were 14 car breaks and 6 stolen vehicles from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, which if citizens had locked them, might not have happened at all. Car breaks have decreased overall by 20.52% since this time in 2016, going from 424 to 337. Auto thefts have also decreased by 21.1% this year so far.
“Everything is down double-digits," Elkins said. "So, it’s been a very successful year so far.”
Data provided during the meeting showed that three types of crimes have increased in Ormond Beach this year: arson, armed robbery and home invasion. Because Ormond Beach doesn't typically see these types of crimes often, Elkins said the increased percentages are high. For example, the city has had three cases of arson so far this year, compared to two from this time last year, increasing by 33%.
Police have also caught what they consider to be the "five biggest players" in car breaks and auto thefts in the area, three of which are juveniles. Elkins said they believe two of those teenagers are responsible for an estimated 30 car breaks in the area.
The other two individuals, 18-year-old Markees Shine and 20-year-old Erick Smith, could be the perpetrators behind 40-50 cases in the area, Elkins said. He added that both men like to steal guns from the cars they break into and pose photos of themselves with the weapons on Snapchat, a popular social media outlet.
“These are probably the five biggest players right now and they’re all locked up," Elkins said. "For now.”
