The Chapel Hill Police Department is asking community members to exercise caution amid a string of vehicle break-ins around town. Officers say they found 12 vehicles broken into Wednesday at the Hartley apartment complex at 540 South Elliott Road, and estimate the break-ins happened around 2 a.m. The department says it has received 95 reports of vehicle break-ins this year.

“We continue to see vehicle break-ins across the Triangle and our town is not immune,” said Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew. “We’re paying close attention to parking lots as we work to prevent these crimes through our patrols.”

Lehew shared several steps community members can take to prevent break-ins:

  • Always lock your vehicle, even if you just step away for a few minutes
  • Take valuables with you or keep them out of sight
  • Park in well-lit, visible areas
  • Consider motion-activated lighting at cameras at home

Police say concerned residents or business owners can call the department to request a security survey. The most recent break-ins at the Hartley are currently being investigated.

Anyone with information regarding these or any other vehicle break-ins is asked to call 911 or contact the Chapel Hill Police Department at 919-968-2760. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can call the Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC Crimestoppers at 919-942-7515 or visit their website here.

 

Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Aaron Keck

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