During the weekend, suspects broke into 14 vehicles across town.
Eight of the break-ins happened Saturday afternoon in the parking lot of Planet Fitness at 257 S. Elliott Road. Officers responded after multiple drivers discovered their windows were broken into.
Then again between 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Sunday, police took reports of vehicle break-ins at several locations along Fordham Boulevard, including three hotels.
"Vehicle break-ins like these happen incredibly fast, often in a matter of seconds," said Police Chief Celisa Lehew. "We're seeing the same pattern in many communities across the Triangle and the country, and we're working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify the vehicles and people responsible."
How to reduce the risk of your car being broken into
- Always lock your car doors and windows.
- Do not leave valuables or keys inside your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas when possible.
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
There have been 320 reports of vehicle break-ins in Chapel Hill so far in 2026.
Anyone with information or video footage related to the break-ins is asked to call the Chapel Hill Police Department at (919) 968-2760.
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