Woman speaks about falling victim to recent car break-in

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – “It’s horrible. It makes me nervous. It really amps up my anxiety and paranoia.”

Madeline Bryant says it was a Sunday night like any other, when she arrived to an establishment to take her friend home. She believed her car would be fine for a few minutes while she went inside.

“I normally lock my car anywhere I go, and I did not because, I’m not going to be here long.” Said Bryant.

However, what happened next is what still has her shaken up.

“I came outside and saw my car… there were things missing outside my car.”

She says it’s a gut-wrenching feeling because she was in the process of moving, so she had quite a few personal belongings in her car at the time. Along with $200 worth of merchandise stolen, was her late mother’s cookbooks and recipes, something she keeps as a memory.

Bryant knew she had to act quickly by notifying officers, to ensure no one else falls victim like to has.

According to law enforcement, it’s not uncommon for the department to investigate car break-ins.

Cape Girardeau Police Officer Bobby Newton says, “Typically, what we have are folks walking down the street and pulling door handles. They find one unlocked and find what kind of items they can get.”

Newton says the best way to prevent these break-ins is to watch out for your neighbors. “If you see somebody walking around sneaking around. Wearing dark clothing, backpack, give us a call and we’ll come check it out.”

Officers currently have leads on the investigation and are acting quickly to prevent future break in from taking place. They also say, matter how safe you feel, lock your doors regardless and get anything valuable out of your car.