Greenville Police Department investigators have solved two vehicle break-ins that occurred near the end of June.

The victims of the break-ins reported to authorities that their vehicles had items go missing from them overnight while parked at their residence. Investigators said the victims left their vehicles unlocked, as there was no forced entry to either vehicle.

The city of Greenville has been subjected to a number of vehicle break-ins throughout 2017, which has led Greenville Police Chief Justin Lovvorn to devise a strategy to combat the outbreak of incidences.

“Due to the increased problem with this type of crime, I have implemented new techniques in many areas of the city that are focused on catching suspects walking up to unlocked cars at residences throughout the night,” Lovvorn said.

“We were able to identify and arrest the two suspects in this case on June 28, 2017.”

The two suspects were both juveniles, black males ages 14 and 16, who were each charged with two counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle.

In an unrelated but similar case, officers were also able to observe three individuals trespassing at a residence on West Wood Circle on June 27 near midnight.

They appeared to be standing by a vehicle at a residence when officers approached them, causing them to flee on foot.

Officers gave chase behind the suspects for nearly a block before apprehending them. After conducting a check of the area, authorities were unable to find any of the missing items from vehicles in the areas the suspect were last seen.

The three minors apprehended in this case were also all minors, black males ages 16, 16 and 17. The three minors were charged with third-degree criminal trespassing and attempting to elude a police officer.

“The Greenville Police Department would like for everyone to know that we will request maximum punishment for all juveniles in these types of crimes,” Lovvorn said.

“And if any juvenile is found to continue in criminal acts after being released to the parent or guardian, we will seek charges against the parent or guardian as well, and request jail time for that parent if they are negligent in their supervision of the juvenile.”