Authorities are investigating a series of recent vehicle break-ins and are warning residents to lock their cars.
Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields said his office is investigating several break-ins that occurred in the Southern Pines area.
The crimes occurred near Fort Bragg Road and East Indiana Avenue during late Monday night into the early morning hours of Tuesday.
“All residents are urged to take additional precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their property,” said Sheriff Fields. “Additional patrols have been implemented, and the Moore County Sheriff’s Office is requesting help from the community by being alert, aware, and prepared.”Â
Fields offered the following crime prevention tips:
1. Lock all your vehicle’s doors even if you only plan to be away for a brief period of time.
2. Do not leave valuables in your car. Â Firearms, computers, purses, and wallets are highly desired targets that are frequently stolen.
3. Do not leave any “sign” that there might be valuables out of sight in your vehicle, such as docking stations, phone chargers or connector cables.
4. Very few larcenies from motor vehicle incidents are random. Thieves see something in plain sight that is valuable and they can quickly steal. Leave nothing in plain sight that might make your vehicle worth investigating by a thief, not even loose coins.
5. Thieves often use flashlights to see through tint. Do not think your dark tinted windows will hide your valuables.
6. Set any alarm or anti-theft device if your vehicle has one.
The department is asking citizens to report any information you may have regarding these crimes, suspicious vehicles, individuals, or activities by calling the office at 910-947-2931, the tip line at 910-947-4444, or 911.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Publisher B.J. Goodridge.
Feature file photo ~ Sandhills Sentinel.
