SOCASTEE, SC- A local business owner claims Prather Park Drive, off Forestbrook Road is a target for break-ins.
Richard Vines works full-time as owner of Vine’s Plumbing, but one could also say he works part-time as a detective. Vines recently installed $10,000 worth of security cameras on his property.
“It’s the price of doing business,” stated Vines.
According to Horry County Police call logs, eight incidents have been reported on Prather Park Drive since May. Three of those incidents happened at Vine’s Plumbing.
“We’re trying to do an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay and we have to come in every morning to look at our video footage and see what got stolen last night,” said Vines.
Vines showed News 13 video of a man spray painting his security cameras then driving off with a stolen trailer.
Horry County Police Spokesperson Lt. Raul Denis said they’re not aware of Prather Park having an issue. He said the number of calls could just be the usual summertime spike that happens at the beach.
HCPD has one officer assigned to patrol the Forestbrook area at a time, according to Lt. Denis. Vines said one officer isn’t enough.
“ They can call for back-up but they only have one car and they can be as far as Carolina Forest or all of the way up Highway 501,” Vines said.
HCPD plans to schedule extra patrols on Prather Park Drive, but Lt. Denis said there’s no guarantee any suspects will be caught.
If you have any information related to the break-ins on Prather Park Drive call HCPD at (843) 915-TIPS.