Hello All,

During the past two weeks, there has been a rise in vehicle break-ins in the Highgate/Hope Valley communities. In the majority of these cases the vehicles were unlocked with items of value in plain sight. With that said, we have also noted and tracked at least two cases where the garages were left open and unsecure at night and the thieves gained entry to unlocked vehicles which had spare keys in the console. In both cases the vehicles were stolen and in one case the thieves made entry into the residence before stealing the car. Right now, we have no suspect descriptions. The vehicles were recovered..

Finally, there have been two catalytic convertor thefts in the 900 block of Constitution. The thefts seem to have been committed with a dull saw blade. There is no suspect vehicle description.

The weather is changing and of course, these types of crimes are on the rise. You can help us catch these guys by reporting all suspicious persons, vehicles and activities in your communities. We have investigated at least 2 burglaries where 2 to 3 black males were seen walking out of the woods adjacent to a house where a break-in had occurred and they were holding items  (possibly from the break in) but the police were not called.

You will never know how much your calls help us to solve crimes.

[Side note to all neighbors: The police would rather check out something that does not look right and they encourage us to call 911 at the time you are observing/experiencing something. DO NOT EVER CONFRONT anyone you believe is suspicious, just call the police.]

Tips:

1) Secure your valuables and lock your cars. Close your garages when you turn in for the night.

2) Please call the police. If it doesn’t look normal or just does not look right…at 911. 

2) One last thing, do not leave loaded firearms in unlocked vehicles. I don’t have to tell you when the good guys come up against a stolen loaded firearm in the middle of the night.. Take it in the house and lock your car.

That’s all for now…until next time…be safe and don’t be an easy target…secure your stuff.

Keith
Sergeant K.L.. Johnson
Durham Police Department
Criminal Investigations Division
District 3
8 Consultant Place
Durham, North Carolina 27707
919-560-4583 ext 29359 (Office)
919-907-9810 (City Cell)