News 12 First at Five -- November 25, 2008

AUGUSTA, GA--"I guess I'm fortunate they didn't go through the rest of the car and find other items too," said Robert Damen.

When Robert Damen came out of the Brunswick Bowling Alley Monday Night, the last thing he expected to see was his back window smashed out and pieces of glass on this back seat.

"I went out to look and sure enough there were two sheriffs from Richmond County already on the scene and the window was broken," said Damen.

Damen's briefcase was stolen and he wasn't the only victim. Two more cars at the alley were hit and also had briefcases stolen. Just up the road, cars at Applebee's and Famous Dave's Barbecue were also targeted.

Investigators say whoever is responsible for these break-ins aren't checking to see if your door's unlocked. They're just trying to make a quick steal and a fast getaway.

"They don't want to break in and rummage through. If they see something they want, they're going to break in and get it," said Lt. Tony Walden.

Lieutenant Tony Walden says the crook got away with at least a handgun, a rifle and a laptop at Famous Dave's. He says the best thing to do to protect yourself is to take all your stuff out with you or hide it.

"If you don't leave anything visible, they're going to pass you by because they're going to think nothing's in there," said Lt. Walden.

And for Damen, he now has to pay the price for someone else's crime and get his window fixed; but offers a word of caution to those leaving items behind.

"Don't leave a bag in view or leave any item in view in your car because I think that's what they're looking for," said Damen.

I spoke with Robert Damen this afternoon and he says his briefcase has been returned.
Once again, investigators say the best way to protect yourself from having this happen to you is to take your belongings with you. Even if you don't think something is valuable, it may catch a thief's attention.