The Chapel Hill Police Department announced Tuesday evening it has assigned a dedicated team to investigate vehicle break-ins across town. The team will focus on finding patterns in the times and locations of the crimes.

The announcement came after the department responded to 14 break-ins on Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2. Eight took place in the Planet Fitness parking lot at 237 South Elliot Road on Saturday afternoon after drivers discovered broken windows, while other incidents occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday along Fordham Boulevard at three separate hotels.

“Vehicle break-ins like these happen incredibly fast, often in a matter of seconds,” said Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew. “We’re seeing the same pattern in many communities across the Triangle and the country, and we’re working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify the vehicles and people responsible.” 

The department said 320 vehicle break-ins have been reported and responded to so far in 2026. As a result of the latest string, officers will increase patrols in specific areas based on the information gleaned by the investigating team.

“Our community is one of our greatest partners,” Lehew continued in the alert. “If you see suspicious activity such as people looking into vehicles, pulling on door handles, or breaking windows please call 911 immediately. Those calls give our officers the best opportunity to respond while suspects are still in the area.”

The department’s release also shared advice on reducing risk, including locking car doors and windows, avoiding leaving any valuables in cars, parking in well-lit areas and never leaving a car running and unattended. It also asked that anyone with information or evidence contact Chapel Hill Police at 919-968-2760. Residents can also use the Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC CrimeStoppers system, which takes anonymous tips, by calling 919-942-7515 or visiting its website here.

 

Featured image via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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