Introduction
A St. Louis man, Jacob Henson, has been charged with multiple counts of burglary and vehicle theft following a spree targeting automotive shops across the city. Over the course of six weeks, Henson allegedly stole eight cars and left a trail of damage at nine businesses. The incidents, recorded on surveillance cameras, have left local business owners frustrated and calling for justice.
The Crimes Unfold
Court records indicate that Henson began his criminal activity on September 30, targeting the Car-X Tire shop on Kingshighway. During this first incident, he stole a Toyota Highlander. Over the next six weeks, Henson continued his spree, breaking into a total of nine auto shops across St. Louis. Each crime followed a similar pattern, with Henson damaging garage doors, stealing keys from drop boxes, and driving off in customer vehicles.
One of the most recent incidents occurred at Tom Best Automotive, where Henson broke into the garage by kicking the door near the key drop area. Surveillance footage captured him reaching inside to retrieve the keys before prying open the door with a tool. According to the shop owner, Tom, Henson stole one vehicle, returned it, and then took another truck. The repeated offenses have left Tom and other business owners grappling with thousands of dollars in damages.
Caught on Camera
The surveillance footage from multiple locations provides a detailed look at Henson’s method of operation. At an auto shop on Chippewa, video shows him kicking the garage door, reaching inside, and retrieving keys. The evidence collected from these crimes includes fingerprints, damaged property, and emptied key boxes. Police confirmed that the same individual was responsible for all nine break-ins.
Impact on Businesses
The targeted businesses are facing significant losses, not only from the stolen vehicles but also from the damage left behind. At Tom Best Automotive, Henson’s break-in resulted in a broken mirror on one car and an estimated $1,000 in damages. These incidents have disrupted operations, caused financial strain, and shaken the sense of security for many business owners.
Tom, the owner of one of the affected shops, expressed his frustration, noting that this is not the first time Henson has targeted his business. He emphasized the recurring nature of the crimes and the need for accountability. “It’s the same guy at all the businesses,” Tom said, echoing the sentiments of others in the neighborhood.
Community Reaction
The series of thefts has alarmed the local community. Business owners and residents are urging authorities to take strong action against Henson to prevent further crimes. The frustration is palpable as the affected businesses struggle to recover from the losses and damages caused by his actions.
Tom highlighted the broader impact on the community, pointing out that nine businesses in the neighborhood had been affected by Henson’s actions. The sense of vulnerability among shop owners is heightened as they work to repair their damaged properties and safeguard against future break-ins.
Ongoing Investigation and Charges
Police have charged Jacob Henson with multiple counts of burglary and vehicle theft. The evidence collected, including surveillance footage and fingerprints, has strengthened the case against him. Investigators are working to ensure that Henson faces accountability for his actions.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Henson has provided any motive for his crime spree. However, the pattern of the incidents suggests a calculated approach to targeting businesses with specific vulnerabilities, such as accessible key drop boxes and unguarded garages.
Conclusion
The string of burglaries and vehicle thefts in St. Louis has left a lasting impact on local businesses and highlighted the need for improved security measures. While Jacob Henson faces charges for his actions, the affected shop owners are left to deal with the financial and emotional aftermath. As the case moves through the legal system, the community hopes for justice and a resolution to prevent similar crimes in the future.
