The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a recent string of vehicle break-ins around neighborhoods off Homestead Road.

The department shared a release Tuesday, saying 18 break-ins were reported from early Monday morning on Abbot Place and other residential streets in the area.

Police said all 18 vehicles broken into were unlocked at the time. Three vehicles were reported entirely as stolen, with the department saying officers are working to gather descriptions of any suspects in these cases.

The summer season and start of the school year for local districts and UNC is a common time for the greater Chapel Hill community to experience vehicle break-ins. In 2020, Chapel Hill Police said 215 vehicle break-ins were reported between mid-March and September. In 2019, the department reported 123 such instances.

To help combat and ward off potential break-ins, the Chapel Hill Police Department says residents should always lock vehicles that are unattended, remove valuables from vehicles, park in well-lit areas and never leave firearms in vehicles.

Tuesday’s release said anyone with information should contact the Chapel Hill Police Department at 919-968-2760 during business hours or call 911. Community members who wish to remain anonymous can also call the Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC Crimestoppers hotline at 919- 942-7515. Police said information that leads to an arrest could be eligible for a reward up to $2,000.

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