Suspect Arrested in Scores of N. Raleigh Break-Ins

RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh police say one man is responsible for the burglaries of dozens of cars and several homes, as well as the burning of three cars.

Investigators said Timothy Piper, 22, had a plan—look for unlocked vehicles near his own home in North Raleigh and target anything of value.

"He was trying to find unlocked vehicles,” said Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue. “(He would) look around and see if there were items that could be stolen."

Police said they believe Piper broke into nearly 50 cars in the areas around Millbrook Road and Falls of Neuse Road, making off with everything from wallets to digital cameras

“Everything was ransacked, the glove compartment was wide open,” said theft victim Don Jackson. “They just went through everything.”

Jackson's camera and a calculator were stolen from his car while he slept. Police said some of the crimes could have been avoided if people locked their doors.

"Take, lock, hide—take your keys, lock your door, hide your belongings,” Sughrue said.

Raleigh police said some of the crimes date back to mid-February. Piper now faces a total of 87 charges, including breaking into several garages in the area and burning three cars. Investigators said he even set the interior of a Wake County deputy's squad car on fire.