Durham police warn about spike in car break-ins

Police said there have been about 1,500 reported vehicle break-ins from January 1 to June 22, nearly a 19% increase over the same period last year.

One resident, Alexander Michaud, shared surveillance video of one of those crimes.

It happened in the Chancellors Ridge neighborhood in the South Point area.

The video shows a dark car drive up with three people inside.

A man without a shirt gets out, walks over to Michaud’s parked Honda Civic and pulls on the door handle.

The door is locked, and the man gets back into the car, which drives off.

Michaud said there was a spike in car break-ins about six weeks ago, and he’s worried the criminals will grow bolder.

“It could grow into where they get cocky or they get comfortable and, you know, progress on to a home invasion,” he said.

“It’s sad to see Chancellors Ridge turning into a community where we have to fear, should we lock our doors,” he said.

Durham police said there have been about 1,500 reported vehicle break-ins from January 1 to June 22, nearly a 19% increase over the same period last year.

Police shared the following crime prevention tips: