Published on September 12, 2026
The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a spike in vehicle break-ins overnight, about 60 of them, in various areas along major routes like Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Raleigh Road. Officers are also sharing how community members can help the department’s team of investigators who are dedicated to these types of cases.
“The suspects moved quickly between 3 and 4:30am and any bit of information helps us,” said Chief of Police Celisa Lehew. “We’re asking community members to check their home and business camera recordings for any signs of people breaking into cars. Call 911 to connect with our investigators who will walk you through an easy way to share video.”
The overnight vehicle break-ins happened mostly in hotel and apartment complex parking lots, and in many cases, suspects smashed windows to get inside vehicles.
Police Work to Identify Suspects
The department’s investigative team is looking closely at similarities among the overnight cases and whether they are connected to other recent vehicle break-ins in Chapel Hill and the broader Triangle area.
The team is working closely with law enforcement partners across the region to share information and identify patterns. As recently as August 25, authorities made several arrests in connection with vehicle break-ins in town.
Protecting Your Property
Officers are encouraging community members to take these steps to help lower their risk of a vehicle break-in:
Always lock your car doors and windows.
Do not leave keys, valuables, or bags inside your car.
Never leave a gun in your car.
Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas when possible.
Never leave your car running and unattended.
“We know how frustrating and violating it is to wake up and find your vehicle damaged and your belongings taken,” Chief Lehew said. “Our dedicated team is working these cases, reviewing evidence, and looking for connections, all to identify those responsible for this.”
Anyone can submit an anonymous tip through Chapel Hill‑Carrboro‑UNC Crimestoppers at 919‑942‑7515 or https://chapelhillcrimestoppers.com/.