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'Everyone sort of needs to lend a hand:' People in Forsyth start neighborhood watch to stop break-ins

"Over the last couple of months, it's really sort of escalated. It's been, if not several times a week, then once or twice a month."

Post after post on a Monroe County neighborhood Facebook group share pictures, and stories of people's car thefts and break-ins.

"Wallets, purses, guns -- I mean, really anything that could be used on the street for value -- stereos," says Michael Hames. 

Jennifer and Michael Hames say luckily, their cars have been untouched, but their neighbors weren't so lucky.

"Over the last couple of months, it's really sort of escalated. It's been, if not several times a week, then once or twice a month," says Michael.

The Hames live off Country Club Drive, one of the recent hot spots for car break-ins in Forsyth.

River Walk subdivision and Teagle Drive neighborhoods are also on the list. Some cars were unlocked, but others were broken into.

"To break people's windows out, 'When are they going to go into your house?' is the next question," says Michael. 

The Monroe County Sheriff says they caught two people tied to break-ins around Teagle Drive.

They are still investigating thefts in other neighborhoods.

"We have more than tripled patrols in the areas of question. Johnstonville Road area, Rivermist area, Country Club Drive area. We have increased patrols dramatically in those areas," says Monroe County Sheriff Brad Freeman. 

Neighbors around Country Club Drive decided it's time to step in and help law enforcement. They're starting a neighborhood watch.

"I mean, it's one of those where I think everyone sort of needs to lend a hand," says Michael. 

The Hames say they want to start identifying homeowner cars with sticker decals so when someone drives through, it's obvious they live there. They say leaving on lights at home can also help.

"He installed a big spotlight over there," says Jennifer. "And it's helped, but I mean, it's only going to help so long. If they test the water and come closer and closer, then they will know, 'Hey, I can get into this vehicle,'" says Michael. 

With more eyes looking out, the Hames hope their neighbors will be able to post about happier things rather than the latest break-ins.

Neighbors also mentioned that they want to put up signs saying "neighborhood watch" to show any potential criminals that these homeowners are actively looking out.

RELATED: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office issues lookout for alleged gun thief

RELATED: 'They are shopping at your expense:' Several guns stolen from unlocked cars in Forsyth


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