'Disheartening': Cars found with smashed windows; one vehicle stolen in Southpoint mall parking lot
Several car break-ins and one car theft brought police to The Streets at Southpoint on Sunday afternoon in Durham.
Police found at least four motor vehicles had been broken into and some of the vehicles had their windows smashed in the parking lot of the mall.
Awan Short, who was one of the victims on Sunday, said his truck was one of the vehicles targeted.
"We were there for an hour or 45 minutes, and within that [time] this whole window was shattered," Short said as he pointed towards his damaged window.
Additionally, a Kia Soul was reported stolen from the parking lot. Police later found the stolen car in Cary. No information was provided about possible suspects.
Short said nothing was taken from his truck, but added it was "disheartening" to see his daughter, who was with him on Sunday, see what happened to her father's truck.
The break-ins are a reminder to implement basic precautions and safety measures when it comes to your vehicle.
- Secure your vehicle. Lock all doors, and do not leave windows cracked, even in the summer.
- Remove laptops, tablets, cell phones, and chargers.
- Remove cash, coins, radar detectors, GPS devices, sports equipment, and firearms from your vehicle.
- Utilize anti-theft and/or vehicle alarms.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Don't leave a spare key in your vehicle.
- Don't leave your vehicle running unattended.
- Report suspicious activity to 911 immediately. When in doubt, call 911.
WRAL News reached out to a spokesperson for the mall, but have not heard back.
Anyone with any information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.
