OXFORD — Thousands of dollars in car stereo equipment is missing in Granville County. In the past month, there have been 67 automobile break-ins in that area, with thieves taking stereo and other equipment.

Hardest hit is the small town of Oxford. Burglars have raiding parking lots on a regular basis. They have smashed the windows in at least 13 cars, entered through the trunk of 2 others, slid through the sliding glass of a truck, and broken into 6 cars that were not locked. There have been a total of 22 break-ins since September 29th.

The most recent of the 22 burglaries occurred at the Oxford Food Lion. Officers say the burglars broke into three cars in about 40 minutes.

Oxford Police Detective Robert Davis says the burglars target dark isolated areas between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., apparently to avoid witnesses.

The vehicles being targeted were parked in locations where there is very limited visibility. Davis says the best way to protect a car is to park it in a well lit area, lock the doors, and turn on the alarm if it has one.

IN:WE HAD ONE CAR THAT HAD AN ALARM SYSTEM BUT THE PERSON FAILED TO TURN IT ON, THAT ALARM MIGHT HAVE NOTIFIED OTHER PEOPLE TO BE LOOKING AND MAY HAVE DETERRED THEM FROM CONTINUING TO TAKE THE REST OF THE PROPERTY OUT:IN THE CAR.""

Davis adds that car alarms are a good option and suggests not leaving important or expensive items in clear view. While there are no guarantees, taking those precautions could help prevent a car from becoming a target.

Police also ask that people keep an eye out for anyone sneaking around peering into cars. If you see something suspicious; call police.