Grinch visits Cary neighborhood Christmas Eve
CARY, NC (WTVD) -- Addie Jeffs woke up Christmas Eve to find her purse was stolen right out of her car. So were her expensive sunglasses and phone charger. Even worse: "There was a Christmas present for my mom - a gift card to get a massage," Jeffs said. "I was crying."
Jeffs is one of about a dozen people whose vehicles were burglarized on the west side of Cary early Thursday. The Cary Police Department is investigating the string of overnight car burglaries in the Park Village and Preston neighborhoods.
Like most of the victims, Jeffs left her car unlocked overnight.
"I always lock my car but I didn't last night," Jeffs said.
It's a common mistake, said Cary Police Lt. Steve Fonke, who added that 9 out of 10 cars that are burglarized were left unlocked.
"Better judgement tells people not to leave valuables in their car, but at Christmas time if you go Christmas shopping sometimes they'll hide their presents in their car so the kids don't find them," Lt. Fonke said. "The bottom line though is if you want to keep something keep it out of your car. If you leave valuables in your car, they're subject to getting stolen."
If you need to leave something in your car, Lt. Fonke suggests keeping it out of site and locking it up. He said you should keep your home lit and it's a good idea to place flood lights in the driveway.
"If you have a garage, use the garage for your car," Lt. Fonke said. "Put the car in the garage and shut the door."
Jeffs has some advice so you don't turn into a victim too.
"Lock your car for sure," she said.
If you have any more information about the break-ins or if you need to report one, you are asked to contact the Cary Police Department at: (919) 469-4012 or Crimestoppers at (919) 460-4636.
