Chapel Hill Police responded to more than double the normal amount of car break-ins in January this year.

Authorities say officers responded to 51 vehicle break-ins last month. That compares with between 15 and 20 in a normal year.

Police say there have been some common themes among the incidents, including “items of value that were plainly visible inside the car” and that most vehicles were unlocked. Officials say break-ins have occurred in parking lots at fitness centers, shopping areas and parking areas near community trails.

One tablet, two GPS units, eight laptops, six wallets and 11 pocketbooks were stolen, according to police. Four firearms were also stolen in November and December 2016.

Residents are being encouraged to remove items of value and to lock vehicles, specifically in large parking areas.

Law enforcement will be increasing patrols in an attempt to slow the break-ins while the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has information about the crimes is asked to call Chapel Hill Police at (919) 968-2760 or Crime Stoppers at (919) 942-7515. Calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and anonymous, and the caller may be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

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