Three teenagers were arrested Tuesday and accused of a one-night crime spree in West Ashley that involved breaking into dozens of cars and stealing two. Most of the break-ins took place in the Village Green community, and a few cars in McLaura Hall were also hit, reports show. Police said they caught the suspects early Tuesday when they were walking away from a car they had just ditched.

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From ABC News 4:

Nearly 40 cars in all, two stolen and thousands of dollars in property taken. The alleged masterminds are 19 year old David Sweat and two juveniles. Each suspect is charged with several counts of breaking and entering as well as grand larceny.

Police say one of the main targets for these kids was the Village Green subdivision in West Ashley. Village Green, typically a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Charleston. But this area, more specifically the cars, victimized by thieves.

From Live 5 News:

In all 37 unlocked cars fell victim to a team of crooks in the Village Green subdivision off Highway 61 in West Ashley and two cars were stolen. Some residents think the thieves were actually casing the area before hand. On Monday, they say several men were knocking on doors posing as home security alarm salesmen asking very specific questions about the neighborhood.

...

According to residents DVD players, CDs and cash were the loot of choice, all from unlocked cars. Nothing was taken from Cheryl Keese's car but she says that doesn't make the crime any less upsetting.

"You really want to instill values in your kids but its pretty much now, make sure you keep your stuff locked. It's kind of disheartening," said Keese.

From The Post and Courier:

Almost all of the cars were unlocked, and the key was left inside one of the stolen autos.

Now, police are asking residents to learn from the burglaries and lock up.

The crimes occurred between 7 p.m. Monday and 6:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Village Green and McLaura Hall communities, police reports said.