Lock your cars: 18% rise in car break

PINEVILLE, N.C. — There has been an 18% rise of car break-ins since last year in Pineville , the police department announced.

The jump in theft is due to cars being left unlocked. 98% of all car break-ins were from unlocked vehicles. There have been over 25 more break-ins than 2024.

To prevent these crimes of opportunity, the Pineville Police Department says drivers should make sure to lock their cars before walking inside, securing valuables, like purses, electronics or jewelry, away from plain sight and leaving valuables at home.

Pineville PD says it is working with local business owners, hotels and apartment complexes to get the word out about crime prevention.