Neighbors on edge after Durham police cruiser set on fire
DURHAM (WTVD) -- It's been a rough week for some homeowners in the Treyburn subdivision in North Durham.
While away on a trip, Elizabeth Ellis learned thieves had busted into her home. It is one of several recent break-ins in her neighborhood.
"This is a very safe neighborhood and we picked it for that," said Ellis. "That violation of your home is upsetting."
Ellis was hopeful when she noticed a Durham police squad car parked at the entrance of her subdivision. It represented a clear sign to would-be burglars until a passerby noticed the same police vehicle going up in flames.
"It was surreal," recalled Dylan Aiken. "The whole front part was on fire."
Aiken immediately called 911 early Sunday morning. Within minutes, emergency crews put out the fire.
A police spokesperson says the squad car is considered a total loss.
Frustrated homeowners think the police plan to deter home break-ins is a loss as well.
"[If] you're going to try to prevent crime, you're not going to do it with a dummy vehicle," said one homeowner who asked to remain anonymous. "You want to stop crime? You've got to put an active officer out here."
ABC11 cameras spotted a squad car patrolling the neighborhood on Monday. A Durham police spokesperson said the department may park another vehicle in the neighborhood.
There were at least three break-ins in the Treyburn community last week.
"It is important for community to know that a decoy car is an extra strategy or tool law enforcement uses as a crime deterrence," wrote Kimberle Walker, in an email response to ABC11. "Other patrols are still in effect in the area."
It is unclear if the torched squad car is the work of pranksters or thieves sending a message of their own.
Either way, Ellis says she now has additional security at her home because she is unsure of what the burglars will do next.
"It was very brazen," said Ellis
Anyone with information should contact Durham police or Crimestoppers at (919) 683-1200
