LAURINBURG – Some Laurinburg residents may have heeded police advice not to leave valuables in their cars but still may have failed to lock their doors.
Several residents in the area of Gilchrist and King streets were the victims of car break ins over the weekend. All of the cars were reported as having been unsecured, according to Patrol Capt. Terry Chavis.
Police officers responded to a call of a car alarm going off and dogs barking on Prince Street at 3:40 a.m. Sunday and found that a 2002 Dodge Neon and a 2003 Jeep Wagoneer had been broken into. The glove compartment and center console of both cars had been rummaged through, but the owner reported that noting had been taken. Both vehicles had been left unsecured.
Officers then searched the area in response to the Prince Street break in.
“They began to patrol the area of Wilkinson Drive in response to Prince Street, heard other alarms going off, found other break ins, and made contact with the owners” Chavis said.
A resident of Wilkinson Drive reported that his 2006 Ford Explored had been broken into. Officers found items scattered around in the car, but nothing was reported missing.
Another resident of Wilkinson Drive reported his 2000 Chevrolet Silverado and a 1996 Lexus had been broken into after officers saw the dome light on in the car and contacted him. The vehicles had been rifled through, but nothing was reported missing.
A resident of King Street reported that his 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt had been broken into. Items were strewn around inside and outside of the car, but noting was reported missing.
A resident of King Street reported that someone attempted to break into her 1999 Toyota 4Runner with a pry tool. The thief’s attempts to get into the car were unsuccessful, but the attempt left $400 damage to the vehicle.
Police want to remind residents once again to lock their vehicles, don’t leave valuable items in plain sight, do not leave ID or banking information inside the vehicle and park in a well-lit area within sight of the home, Chavis said.
Anyone with information about the break ins is asked to call the Laurinburg Police Department at 910-276-3211 or call 911.