Police are searching for the person who stole a vehicle that caught fire and is possibly connected to other break-ins across Orange and Durham counties early Wednesday morning.  

Around 2:30 a.m., fire crews and first responders found a car fully engulfed at the intersection of Nation Avenue and Bedford Street near downtown Durham.

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Authorities said the vehicle was stolen and linked to several vehicle break-ins reported across Orange and Durham Counties earlier in the morning. 

Chapel Hill police connected the burned vehicle to a dozen break-ins that happened at a hotel on 540 South Elliott Road around 2 a.m.

In Durham, police told WRAL News the burned car was also connected to another dozen vehicles at a Comfort Inn along Mt. Moriah Rd that were broken into.

Durham police said they are working with law enforcement in other jurisdictions to determine if a connection exists between any cases. 

Despite the possible connections, those break-ins impacted Virginia resident Allen Boynton.

"They broke two windows, and now we don't know what we're gonna do. We have an appointment today. We were gonna go back home today; we have appointments at home tomorrow," Boynton said. "So, I guess we'll have to probably rent a car and leave our vehicle here to be fixed."

Levi Roberts' car was also broken into in the hotel parking lot.

"I hope they get the guy. Now I've got to ride in the cold this morning to my doctor's appointment," Roberts said. "We went through our stuff. I noticed that my necklace was gone. It was expensive. $2,000 worth."

WRAL News reached out to the Comfort Inn about whether there are security cameras in place and if they are taking steps in light of the break-ins.

In a statement, the General Manager for the hotel wrote, "We are aware of the incident and are actively reviewing the situation with our team. The safety and security of our guests and team members have always been a priority for us. At this time, we are assessing what additional steps may be appropriate in light of the break-ins. We are also working with and cooperating with the Durham Police while they conduct the investigation."

So far, no arrests have been made. 

The Chapel Hill Police Department provided the following tips to ensure community members stay alert:

  • Always lock your vehicle, even if you just step away for a few minutes.
    • Take valuables with you, or keep them completely out of sight.
      • Park in well-lit, visible areas
        • At home, motion-activated lighting and cameras can make a difference.

          “We continue to see vehicle break-ins across the Triangle and our town is not immune,” said Police Chief Celisa Lehew. “We’re paying close attention to parking lots as we work to prevent these crimes through our patrols.”