Chapel Hill has been faced with a string of home break-ins recently, with the thieves entering on the second story, according to Chapel Hill Police Lieutenant Josh Mecimore.

“Folks are breaking in through second story windows, primarily through unlocked second story windows and it looks like they are using lawn furniture or patio furniture to get to a part of the roof that gives them access to second story windows,” said Mecimore.

Mecimore said most of the break-ins have occurred near the Sweeten Creek area by East Chapel Hill High School and have happened during the day, while residents were at work. The break-ins are also taking advantage of the alarm systems in people’s homes.

“Typically alarm systems, or a lot of alarm systems at least, don’t cover the second story and so once someone is in, it seems that as long as they don’t go downstairs they are not setting off the alarm,” said Mecimore.

The police department recommends locking all your doors and windows when you leave the house and before you go to bed and to also make your home looks occupied when you’re away by putting your lights and television on a timer.

Police also advise not keeping any spare keys outside of the house and to consider getting an alarm system if you do not already have one.

“The goal for each person should be to make their houses as undesirable to someone who might break-in as they can,” said Mecimore.

No arrests have been made in connection with the break-ins but Mecimore said police are still investigating.

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