Police urge residents to lock unoccupied vehicles & stay with vehicle while defrosting windows

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is reminding residents to stay with their vehicle while defrosting the windows after an idling, unlocked, and unattended car was stolen this morning. According to police, the car was warming up in the driveway with the keys inside when it was taken.

Police are investigating the incident, along with a second stolen vehicle that was also unlocked and several overnight break-ins that involved unlocked vehicles and an unlocked garage. Targeted neighborhoods included St. Catherines, Dansforth, and Kitchin Farms. Police believe most of the incidents are related.

In the meantime, officials wish to remind the community that there are people out there willing to steal your car. As we return to the season of frost and snow, remember to stay with your vehicle while defrosting the windows. Also, be sure to remove your keys from the vehicle and lock the doors to avoid having it stolen.

A vast majority of the reported car break-ins and thefts in Wake Forest involve unlocked vehicles. Often, thieves engage in what is known as “car-hopping,” which occurs when criminals roam neighborhoods at night, pulling on car door handles, hoping to find an open vehicle. Police say it’s a numbers game. For every 10 cars a criminal checks, they expect to find at least a couple open, so there is no need to physically break a window or door lock to get in.

Simply stated, the best way to avoid becoming a victim is by always locking your unoccupied vehicles, removing your valuable items and any extra set of keys from the vehicle, and double-checking to make sure your car is locked before going to bed at night. If an item can’t be removed, then it’s best to make sure it is out of sight to potential crooks looking for an easy target.

It is especially important to remove firearms from unlocked vehicles. According to a study by the US Department of Justice, approximately four out of five firearms stolen during car break-ins are never recovered. In many cases, these firearms are used in the commission of other crimes.

Making sure Wake Forest is a safe place to live and work requires the cooperation of the Police Department and the town’s residents. To report suspicious behavior or activity, call 919-554-6150 or 919-556-9111.