While Chapel Hill often sees vehicle break-ins during the summer months, this year has seen an increased amount. The town’s police department is issuing guidance to alert the community of the crimes and provide tips to protect valuables.

A release from Chapel Hill on Wednesday said 215 cases of breaking and entering to motor vehicles have been reported since mid-March, when the COVID-19 outbreak began in North Carolina. Last year, the town only saw 123 cases reported from March 13 until September 15.

In August alone, the Chapel Hill Police Department says it saw more than 70 reports of residents having their vehicles broke into.

On Wednesday, police chief Chris Blue shared a statement with advice to Chapel Hill residents that may help prevent these break-ins.

“We cannot stress this enough: please lock your doors, roll up your windows, and store your valuables out of sight,” said Blue. “These are quick, easy steps. In most of these cases, subjects are walking vehicle to vehicle and pulling door handles. If they’re locked — as long as they don’t see something that appears to be valuable — we hope they will move along.”

According to many reports, break-in suspects go through the center consoles, glove boxes and other areas of the vehicles. Valuables like jewelry, sunglasses, technology and even spare change have been reported as stolen.

Blue said in addition, recent reports of firearms being taken from vehicles also raise concerns. He said two handguns were reported as stolen this past weekend alone.

“Firearms should be secured at all times,” wrote Blue in the town’s release. “Leaving a gun in a vehicle, unlocked, is not adequately secured.”

Orange County Sheriff’s Office has also seen several reports of firearms being taken from both locked and unlocked vehicles in the northern and middle region of Orange County.

Beyond locking doors, rolling up windows and hiding important items, other tips the Chapel Hill Police Department shared are parking in safe locations. Personal garages, if residents have one, or in a well-lit area near heavy foot traffic may deter a break-in. Police also recommend residents with a video security system have home ensure their property is captured in the cameras’ line of sight.

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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