2 vehicles, 4 guns stolen overnight in string of Cherokee County auto break-ins

Two vehicles, four firearms and prescription pills were stolen in Cherokee County overnight after thieves broke into at least 18 cars in three neighborhoods, authorities said.

Cherokee deputies were alerted to the thefts Thursday morning after receiving calls from residents in the Dogwood Farms, Wildwood and Crabapple Farms subdivisions, sheriff’s office Capt. Jay Baker said.

It appears the four suspects involved targeted unlocked vehicles and ended up stealing a Range Rover and a Hyundai Elantra after finding the keys left inside, Baker said.

MORE: Cherokee County thieves targeting guns in unlocked cars

The Range Rover, which was taken first, was found abandoned with a flat tire inside the Dogwood Farms subdivision off Univeter Road, authorities said. The men then stole a Hyundai and drove it to two more subdivisions, where they continued breaking into vehicles, Baker said.

Video of the suspects was captured on home surveillance cameras, and detectives are asking the public for help identifying those involved.

Cherokee County has experienced a rash of overnight auto break-ins and gun thefts in recent years. Investigators say thieves likely drive into the county from elsewhere in search of unlocked cars.