Crime trends and responses in Myrtle Beach

The articles collectively examine crime trends and responses in Myrtle Beach, with a focus on recent incidents, law enforcement actions, and social impacts. Crime is a significant issue, with reports highlighting spikes in violent crimes across tourist areas, including armed robberies and shootings, often involving non-local offenders. This aligns with the article describing four suspects facing numerous charges after a series of armed robberies in key tourist locations in Myrtle Beach. Police link these crimes to a broader pattern of offenses by non-residents. Horry County faces challenges with unresolved cases, as highlighted by the ongoing investigations into unsolved homicides dating back decades. Police efforts to close these cases include leveraging volunteer forces and technological advances, such as the cold case team reviewing historical files.

Additionally, data indicates crime increases in high-visitor areas, further complicating law enforcement and community safety efforts. The burgeoning population and tourism influx contribute to these challenges, as reported in discussions of rising crime rates in Horry County. Furthermore, recent efforts to curb violence include addressing gun violence in Conway, where officials implement technology and community programs to enhance safety following nearby fatal shootings.

Michelle Robinson, mother of Amber Berbiglia talks about the unsolved case of her 23-year-old daughter’s murder on May 3, 2013. Berbigila was found on Old Sanders Drive under the Robert Edge Parkway overpass in North Myrtle Beach. April 7, 2025. By Jason Lee

NO. 1: SOON-TO-BE MARRIED LITTLE RIVER WOMAN BEATEN TO DEATH. HOW DID HER KILLER GO UNNOTICED?

Mother of 23-year-old is among many Horry County families whose loved ones’ deaths remain unsolved. She holds a memorial every year for her daughter, as well as the other victims, hoping for answers. | Published May 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

A busy boardwalk as the weekend begins. As the weather warms up, folks along the Jersey Shore head to the beach and boardwalks to enjoy the outdoors. Seaside Heights, NJ Friday, April 18, 2025 By Doug Hood/Asbury Park Press

NO. 2: IS MYRTLE BEACH MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE JERSEY SHORE? WHAT DATA SHOWS

As Memorial Day approaches, many families are starting to finalize their summer vacations at the beach. Here’s some data to keep in mind while you’re planning your trip. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Elizabeth Brewer

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Becky Beckstead places flowers on a memorial at Grand Lake in Market Common for Brittanee Drexel on Monday after Georgetown authorities announced that Drexel’s remains were found and a Georgetown man was charged with her murder. Beckstead said that she and her granddaughter cried together when they heard the news today and the two frequently stopped and prayed for the missing girl during their walks around the lake. May 16, 2022. By JASON LEE

NO. 3: HORRY COUNTY HAS MORE THAN 60 UNSOLVED HOMICIDES. HOW ARE POLICE TRYING TO CATCH KILLERS?

Horry County has a number of cold cases, some that date back nearly 50 years. Police have taken different approaches to try and solve them. | Published May 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

Multiple surveillance cameras of different shapes and configurations hang from a utility pole on 5th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach. When the Emerald Shores motel across the street caught fire in November, police used camera footage to identify suspects in the arson. By JASON LEE

NO. 4: VIDEOS OF MYRTLE BEACH SHOOTING CIRCULATE ONLINE. WHERE IS POLICE FOOTAGE?

The Myrtle Beach Police Department is asking the public to share videos of Saturday night’s shooting. Will police release footage from body cameras and real-time cameras? | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

Conway Mayor Barbara Jo Blain and Police Chief Dale Long addressed recent gun violence in the city in a joint video on social media. via Facebook

NO. 5: CONWAY OFFICIALS ADDRESS RECENT GUN VIOLENCE, DENY THE SC MURDERS ARE CONNECTED

“We are using every asset that we have at our disposal to try to bring security and safety to the area,” Police Chief Dale Long said. According to the city, the deaths of two South Carolina young people shot in Conway aren’t connected. | Published May 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott

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Broadway at the Beach has long been a top tourism destination in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The shopping and entertainment complex opened in 1995 and has undergone many changes through the years. This winter many of the shops are receiving a facelift. Feb. 8, 2024. By JASON LEE

NO. 6: 4 FACE SLEW OF CHARGES IN MYRTLE BEACH ARMED ROBBERIES. POLICE CALL IT A ‘TROUBLING TREND’

The string of robberies, including carjacking and kidnapping, occurred in popular tourist areas of the city. Police say violent crimes are happening by people ‘not from here.’ | Published May 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Terri Richardson

A 54-year-old elementary school teacher was arrested. He is accused of hiding cameras to watch kids change, California officials said.

NO. 7: 6 CHARGED IN STRING OF ARMED ROBBERIES, HOME INVASIONS. MOST SC VICTIMS ONLY SPOKE SPANISH

Horry County Police have charged six individuals connected to a larger crime group who alleged conducted armed robberies for several months. | Published June 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Win Hammond

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Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt gave a press conference about the firing of veteran HCPD Officer Paul Damon Vescovi due to misconduct. April 30, 2025. By Jason Lee

NO. 8: WHERE ARE MOST CRIMES HAPPENING IN MYRTLE BEACH AREA? THESE AREAS HAVE THE HIGHEST

This summer has seen high-profile crimes and many calls for service for Horry County Police. Crime data shows that certain areas of the county, including Myrtle Beach, have a higher rate of crime. | Published July 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Win Hammond

Nate Jenkins spars with Jeramiah “Jumbo” Ledesma in an Aynor back yard prior to boxing matches in 2020. By Jason Lee

NO. 9: THE MYRTLE BEACH AREA HAS BEEN SUFFERING JUVENILE CRIME. WHO ARE THE MENTORS IN THE AREA?

The Sun News has been reporting on youth violence in the Myrtle Beach area. We have heard from public officials trying to address the crime, now we want to hear from people working with teens everyday | Published July 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Win Hammond

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.