Business owners optimistic after meetings with Savannah police on Starland break-ins

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Business owners in the Starland district say meetings with Savannah police have left them feeling more confident about the neighborhood’s security following a summer of repeated burglaries.

Whitney Shephard, owner of Green Truck Pub, said the break-ins had prompted questions among business owners in the area.

“Are we going to be next, or who’s going to be next?” Shephard said.

Business owners, police meet on security

Shephard said a meeting Monday afternoon between the Savannah Police Department and business owners was the second held this summer.

“One of the things that was great about that meeting was it brought together folks who are brand new business owners in the neighborhood so that we could keep the communication line open with folks who have been here for a long time,” Shephard said.

Shephard, who has owned a business in the community for 16 years, said a similar surge of break-ins happened in 2012. She said she feels more confident about the neighborhood’s security now than she did then.

“It was really fantastic to see a room full of folks that own restaurants, bars, other businesses talking about shared solutions and how we can work together to create a safe environment for our staff, our customers and the neighborhood,” Shephard said.

According to Shephard, Savannah Police Chief Lenny Gunther told business owners at Monday’s meeting that police will continue to focus on the Starland area even after recent arrests.

Arrest made, mayor responds

The second meeting came after the arrest of Nathaniel Lewis during an attempted burglary. Lewis was arrested after a burglary on Aug. 15, when he fled on foot, according to Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. Johnson said investigators are looking into Lewis’ possible involvement in other commercial crimes in the area, specifically the Starland burglaries.

Johnson said police have increased their presence in commercial corridors, are reviewing surveillance footage and are pursuing leads in the case.

“The Savannah police department met with business owners in the area as they continue to investigate these burglaries and we have increase our presence in commercial corridors, reviewing surveillance footage and pursuing leads to find those who are responsible. This is not about asking our business to solve this themselves, public safety is public responsibility and we share a major role in that,” Johnson said.

Johnson also said crimes of opportunity require taking away the opportunity.

“Sometimes these crimes are crimes of opportunity, so we have to take away the opportunity as well,” Johnson said.

Third suspect sought

Johnson said police are looking for a third suspect with prominent tattoos who is seen in surveillance footage. He said investigators are using that footage to try to identify the suspect and are asking anyone with information on the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to come forward.

Anyone with information or details about the burglaries can call Crimestoppers at 912) 234-2020.