At least 17 car break-ins reported overnight in Wake Forest, guns and valuables stolen

Wake Forest Police are again urging residents not to leave valuable items and weapons in their vehicles after a rash of car break-ins occurred overnight.

Police say 17 residents reported their vehicles were broken into Wednesday night and Thursday morning. In at least three cases, the suspects stole guns, while in another case a vehicle was stolen. That vehicle is described as a gray 2011 Hyundai Sonata with Maryland registration plate 9BM4465.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., officers responded to a reported car break-in along the 1800 block of South Franklin Street. Upon their arrival, officers observed two suspicious individuals fleeing the scene. A brief vehicle pursuit ensued which ended near the intersection of South Franklin Street and Rogers Road when the suspect vehicle crashed. That vehicle was determined to have been stolen from Morrisville.

After crashing the stolen vehicle, the subjects fled south on foot across Rogers Road onto the Smith Creek Greenway where they escaped.

Police conducted a K9 track which resulted in the recovery of various items, including two of the three stolen guns. Officers are continuing to canvass the area searching for other stolen items.

Anyone who encounters the stolen vehicle or discovers weapons or other items that may be related to last night’s break-ins are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. In addition, anyone with information about last night’s car break-ins is urged to call the Police Department Tip Line at 919-435-9610. You may remain anonymous.

In the meantime, officials are again reminding residents to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables from inside – especially handguns and other firearms.

"We know criminals are looking to get guns, then using those guns to commit other crimes in our community,” said Police Chief Jeff Leonard. “Please do not leave weapons in your vehicles."

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For more information about the Town of Wake Forest, contact Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree at 919-435-9421 or bcrabtree@wakeforestnc.gov.