*** Updated with additional information and comment from Chapel Hill Police. ***

Chapel Hill Police are warning residents to keep their homes and cars secure after a rash of break-ins was reported around the July 4 holiday.

Chapel Hill community safety communications specialist Ran Northam says the town often sees an increase in break-ins during the summer, when residents are more likely to be out of town – but these break-ins haven’t always involved people on vacation.

“For example, there was one (case) where somebody was gone for an hour,” he says, “and they came home and found their home was broken into.”

Northam says the recent rash of break-ins has been concentrated mostly in northeastern Chapel Hill, along the 15/501 corridor; there were six reported on July 3 alone.

“We’re fortunate to live in a very safe community but we’re not immune from crime,” says Chapel Hill Police Chief and Executive Director for Community Safety Chris Blue.

It’s not clear yet whether these recent cases are related – but Northam says in several cases, the items stolen have been a bit different than usual.

“In a couple of these cases, they’re non-identifiable items,” he says. “Sometimes, you hear (about) the big-ticket items, the computer, the TV – (but) these have been just money that’s lying around, even coins. We even had euros stolen in one case.”

Police are actively investigating those break-ins. But in the meantime, Northam and Chief Blue say they’re also getting the word out about how you can keep from becoming a victim yourself.

“You can do a lot to help us keep you and your neighbors safe,” says Chief Blue. “Always lock your vehicles and homes, even when you are there. And encourage your neighbors to do so, too. And, if you ever need us, don’t hesitate to call.”

Northam agrees. “Whenever you can, make it look like somebody’s home, or make it look like you haven’t been gone for a while – keep your grass cut and your yard maintained,” he says. “Lights on timers at night are really helpful: if a light comes on around 9:30 or 10:00, even if you’re not home, that might deter somebody…

“And then always, and this is for cars or homes, make sure doors and windows are locked and secured.”

Police also recommend activating an alarm system if one is installed.

And if you’re going on vacation this summer, Northam says the Chapel Hill PD has also developed a service where you can ask police to check your home while you’re away.

“Officers (won’t) go into your home or anything like that,” he says. “All they’re looking to do is to make sure the home looks secure. If it looks secure, they’ll be on their way. If it’s not secure, if something doesn’t look right, if a door is opened, they’ll make sure to secure it (and) make sure nothing looks suspicious.

“And if something does look suspicious, they’ll go in and start that reporting process to let the homeowner know that something has happened, so they can get on top of it as quickly as possible.”

Northam says numerous residents have taken advantage of that service in the last year, particularly during the winter holiday season.

House check forms can be found on the Chapel Hill Police website.

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