Wilmington Police sees uptick in car break-ins, firearm thefts
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As the holiday season unfolds, law enforcement officials in Wilmington are warning citizens about an uptick in property crimes and sharing helpful reminders.
From porch pirates stealing holiday packages to car break-ins there is a seasonable uptick in criminal activity, particularly in the form of breaking and entering auto incidents.
“The biggest thing that we’re seeing right now that is preventable are a lot of our B and E autos,” Wilmington Police Lieutenant Greg Willett said.
Willett highlights perpetrators often target crimes of opportunity, frequently occurring in parking lots, such as those at apartment complexes or large public spaces. This commonly involves individuals roaming parking lots at night, testing car doors for accessibility. If they come upon an unlocked car, they take advantage.
“They’ll go in your car and, if they find loose change, cell phone chargers, or the jackpot — a gun, it was worth their time,” Willett said.
In the last two weeks, Willett says at least half a dozen firearm thefts have been reported. Many of these firearms are stolen from vehicles, raising concerns about their potential use in violent crimes, including robberies and shootings.
Willett urges the community to promptly report firearm thefts to the police, recognizing that everyone is fallible and can make mistakes. He underscores the importance of constant vigilance, especially during the holiday season, reminding citizens to consistently lock their car doors.
“Nobody’s perfect. Everybody makes mistakes. We at WPD just want to remind people to please lock your car doors all the time, but especially this time of year,” Willett said.
In addition to securing vehicles, Willett advocates for responsible firearm storage, emphasizing that something as simple as locking car doors can contribute to reducing incidents where stolen guns are used in violent crime.
Additionally, to enhance home safety, residents are advised to close blinds at night to prevent potential criminals from peering inside residences.
