Police Warn Of Rise In Vehicle Break-Ins, Thefts In Cornelius

CORNELIUS, NC — A rash of vehicle thefts in Cornelius prompted police to issue a warning to area residents Thursday.

"CPD has recently seen an increase in calls for service regarding items being stolen from unlocked, parked vehicle, either in driveways or on the street," CPD said. "These thefts and break-ins are occurring in the late overnight night hours. We've also seen an increase in vehicles being stolen from driveways due to keys or a key fob being left in the vehicle."

So far this year, about $41,000 in property has been stolen from unlocked vehicles and $19,000 in property taken from locked vehicles in Cornelius, police said.

CPD ask residents do the following:

• Lock your doors whenever you exit your vehicle and make sure to take your vehicle's keys and fob inside with you.
• Do not leave any spare keys or key fobs inside the vehicle.
• If you must keep something valuable in your vehicle, make sure it is out of sight.
• If you don't have to keep it in your vehicle, take it out, particularly firearms, keys and fobs.
• Firearms and keys should never be left in a vehicle.

CPD said anyone who notices their vehicle has been broken into should call the department at 704-892-7773 to file a report.

"Please don't get in your car and begin to move things around or drive to work," CPD said. "If the vehicle is moved or touched, the crime scene may get contaminated, which makes it difficult for our officers to process your vehicle for DNA and fingerprints."