A rash of car break-ins occurred in the county in the early morning hours Saturday.
“From what I gather,” Lenoir County Sheriff Chris Hill said, “the city has been having a number of break-ins in the past few weeks.”
But Friday night and early Saturday, the Crestview area behind Bethel Christian Academy was targeted.
“Thieves are going through cars that are unlocked,” Hill said, “and stealing such things as change and GPS units — anything that’s portable and light.”
That may include firearms, a “hot commodity,” he said.
In Kinston, the Colonial Pines area off Rouse Road has been targeted for some time. The thieves are hitting sub-developments and taking items that are quick to steal, Hill said.
Residents in both the city and county need to have a “heightened sense of awareness” about the potential of thefts, he said.
“Please take the time to go out and make sure their car is locked,” Hill urges residents. “If you can’t lock the car, remove any valuables — especially GPS units, cash or firearms.”
The sheriff’s office has no suspects at this time. They are offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who can provide credible information which leads to the arrest of the suspect or suspects.
To provide information, citizens are asked to go to co.lenoir.nc.us/sheriff.html and click on e-tips or call 252-559-6140 or 252-559-6100.
Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or Margaret.Fisher@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.
Reward offered
If you have information about the rash of break-ins in Lenoir County, you can earn a $1,000 reward. Call 252-559-6140 or 252-559-6100 or visit co.lenoir.nc.us/sheriff.html for more information.
