UNC Police reported a parking lot near campus as the site of a string of motor vehicle break-ins on Friday morning.
An Alert Carolina crime message was sent to the campus community in the afternoon, saying campus police are investigating at least 11 reports of break-ins at the parking lot of 140 Friday Center Drive. Investigators believe the approximate time of the crimes to have been between 9 and 11 a.m. on Friday.
The parking lot typically serves the Friday Center and the UNC Center for School Leadership Development — and is separate from the popular Friday Center Park and Ride lot used by Chapel Hill Transit commuters.
An aerial map of the Friday Center and the 140 Friday Center Drive parking lot, which is shown by the red marker. (Photo via Google Maps.)
UNC Police did not share details on any stolen items in the break-ins and said no other information is publicly available at this time, but did say its department is conducting an investigation.
Additionally, Friday’s Alert Carolina message shared prevention tips to the university community for vehicle break-ins. People are encouraged to always lock their car and keep windows rolled up when not around their vehicle, and to not leave any valuable items visible inside. If a vehicle has an alarm system, police suggest people check to ensure it’s active. Drivers can also try to park in public, well-lit areas where their vehicle can be seen by passing traffic.
Friday’s string of break-ins marks the second reported this fall by UNC Police. More than a dozen vehicle break-ins were reported around October 18 at several on-campus parking lots and facilities. No updates have been provided by the department since about any charges it’s made.
Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have information about the vehicle break-ins to share what they know. UNC Police can be called through using 911, and can be reached for non-emergencies by calling their 24-hour line at 919-962-8100. People with reports or safety concerns can also visit the Public Safety Building located at 285 Manning Drive for in-person assistance.
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