Woman urges neighbors to be vigilant after car gets stolen from locked garage in Apex

APEX, N.C. (WTVD) -- Police are urging people to remain vigilant after a car was stolen from a locked garage in Apex's Smith Farm Community.

Security cameras captured the incident, showing a masked individual breaking the garage lock, entering, and driving off in a 2020 Honda Pilot-all within three minutes.

Ashley Dwyer, the car's owner, shared the footage with ABC11. It shows the thieves using a knife or screwdriver to force the door open.

"In the video, you see them stumble with the door for a little over a minute before they get in and then take the car," she said.

The footage also shows the thieves taking nothing else from the garage before unlocking the door, rolling it up, and driving away.

Dwyer said she had left a spare key in the car after getting it serviced around Christmas.

"I just forgot to take it out," she said. "We're in a locked garage in a neighborhood that I felt was safe."

Now, she is urging others to take extra precautions.

"I want my car back. I want them caught. And I just want to remind people, you are never safe. Lock the deadbolt, hide the spare key. Look out for your neighbors and just be very, very mindful of of what's going on."

Apex police, while unable to comment on the ongoing investigation, shared tips encouraging residents to lock vehicles, remove valuables, park in well-lit areas, and report any unusual behavior.