CORNELIUS, N.C. — Police in Cornelius are investigating a sharp increase in vehicle break-ins, with nearly 50 incidents reported in recent days after a period of no such crimes.

"The amount of car break-ins that we've seen in the last few days has just gone from zero to probably close to 50," Cornelius Deputy Police Chief Jennifer Thompson said.

Thompson said the break-ins are occurring throughout the town with no specific pattern or targeted area.

"You have people that are traveling and may not want to take their valuables inside when they're traveling, going and staying in a hotel," Thompson said. "We're seeing apartment complexes, neighborhoods. It's just the opportunity that exists—there's no specific area. It is spread out through Cornelius."

Residents say the incidents appear to

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