LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are investigating more than two dozen vehicle break-ins and thefts reported in neighborhoods surrounding Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills on April 7, 2026.
Officers responded to the reports that day after residents discovered their vehicles had been entered overnight. Home surveillance footage from multiple locations captured what appear to be four individuals wearing dark clothing and masks moving between vehicles and pulling on door handles. In many cases, the vehicles were unlocked, and the suspects took cash and other personal items.
Deputies believe the incidents followed a pattern of targeting unsecured vehicles during overnight hours. The break-ins affected residential areas near Chancellors Run Road, a main roadway in the Great Mills community of St. Mary’s County.
No arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains active. Authorities have not released additional suspect descriptions beyond the clothing and mask details shown in the videos.
Residents are urged to lock their vehicles at all times, remove valuables from view and report any suspicious activity immediately. The sheriff’s office reminded the public that simple precautions can prevent such thefts in a region where vehicle-related property crimes occasionally spike in suburban neighborhoods.
Anyone with information about the break-ins is asked to contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers, which is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests.
Anonymous tips can be provided by: Texting 847411, starting the message with “SMCSO” followed by a space and the tip. Submitting online through the Sheriff’s Office website at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips. Using the SMCSO app, available for free download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Calling the Crime Solvers line at 301-475-3333.
With Crime Solvers, individuals never have to give their name and may still qualify for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.
Great Mills, located in the northern part of St. Mary’s County near Lexington Park, is a growing residential area with family neighborhoods, schools and proximity to major employers including Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Vehicle break-ins targeting unlocked cars have been reported in similar Southern Maryland communities in past years, often during overnight hours when streets are quiet.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office continues to patrol the affected neighborhoods and review additional surveillance footage. Detectives are working to identify the individuals shown in the videos and determine if the group is linked to other recent property crimes in the county.
This incident serves as a timely reminder for drivers across Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties to secure their vehicles, especially in residential areas where thefts of opportunity can occur quickly.
Further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
