Special to the Herald 

EFFINGHAM COUNTY -- Two adults and three juveniles have been arrested after a series of vehicle break-ins throughout the county.

For several weeks, residents have been reporting vehicle break-ins in the Auriga Farms neighborhood in Bloomingdale and Park West in Guyton, prompting an increase in patrol in this area. Thanks to surveillance footage and tips from the community, deputies were able to identify and locate the suspects.

Early morning April 2, deputies responded to a service call in the area of Auriga Farms and Park West that led to the arrest of 18-year-old David Jones and 20-year-old Elijah Smith, both of Savannah. Three juveniles were also taken into custody, but their names are being withheld due to their ages. The suspects face multiple charges, including theft by taking, and criminal trespass.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community and will not tolerate criminal activity. The swift action taken by our deputies, along with the support of our community, led to these arrests, and we encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activity,” said Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie

Sheriff McDuffie and the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to secure their vehicles. Simple steps, such as locking doors and removing valuables, can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft.

This case remains under investigation, and further charges may be pending as new information is gathered. Anyone with additional information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 912-754-3449.