Car-breakins on the rise in New Hanover County

An increase in car break-ins has the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office warning drivers. Over the weekend, nine car break-ins were reported in New Hanover County alone.

Law enforcement said not only is that up from last month, but it is also up significantly over last year. According to the sheriff’s office, so far this month, thirteen car break-ins have been reported. Compare that to nine in November during the same time period.

What may be more concerning, looking at the numbers from this year to last, car breaking and entering is up more than seventy percent. Law enforcement said many of the victims left valuables in plain sight, and didn’t lock their doors.

“It is a crime of opportunity, and this is the season for it,” said New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon. “Add that to the downturn in the economy, and that is a recipe for disaster, so lets not make it easy.”

Sheriff’s deputies are warning drivers, especially during the rush of the holidays, to take an extra second to secure their cars.

According to Sheriff McMahon, thieves are mostly taking things like GPS devices, satellite radios, and loose change.