Victims on edge following Leland, Winnabow break-ins

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County deputies are looking for the person or people who broke into a number of homes in the Leland and Winnabow areas. Over the last couple of days thieves have targeted more than 10 homes.

Deputies said the break-ins are happening during the day when the residents aren’t home. According to incident logs residents began reporting the break-ins a few days ago and there were a couple incidents on the same day. Victims said the thieves or thief either found an open window or kicked in the back door of a home. Incident logs show that thousands of dollars worth of items were taken during these thefts. Those that live in area near Town Creek Road of Leland are feeling uneasy after a rash of break-ins.

Kinsey Jones, 18-year-old college student, said her family’s home was of the homes targeted. She says money was taken, a game system, and other items but that isn’t all that was taken from her family.

“I just want to feel safe again. I just want my little brother to know that he is safe in his own home,” said Jones.

Jones isn’t the only one feeling this way Rick Berenger said his truck was broken into right in front of his home near Maco Road.

“I went over and looked for my truck and all my stuff was tore up inside my truck,” said Berenger.

Berenger said while he has lived there something this has never happened.

“They took something from me,  they took more than just property, I am supposed to be here to protect things for my wife and family and it feels like I wasn’t doing my job,” said Berenger.

Jones said she just wants those responsible for the break-ins to stop and come forward.

“I just really wish these people would let go of themselves and think about these people that they’ve broken into their homes,” said Jones.

According to a sheriff’s office spokeswoman the most recent break-ins happened Monday. There were two on Old Town Creek Road and three on Hewitt Burton Road. Brunswick County Sheriff’s detectives are offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest in these break-ins.