Haywood County, NC: Haywood County Sheriff’s Office Detectives are investigating a recent string of car burglaries that resulted in the theft of guns, cash, and valuables.
Haywood County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division Captain Tony Cope reminds residents to stay vigilant and be consistent about securing their vehicles at night. Most of the recent car thefts in our county have occurred late at night with an unlocked vehicle, stated Captain Cope. Often the best offense is a strong defense, so stay on the defense by remembering to remove your valuables from your car and most importantly, always remembering to properly secure your firearms.
The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office strongly recommends following the following tips to help prevent vehicle break-ins:
- Lock your vehicle and lock your house
- Never leave your keys in your vehicle
- Do not leave your gun in your vehicle
- Do not leave valuable items visible in your car, including your purse or wallet
- Be aware of your surroundings and if you see something, say something
- Park in a well-lit area
A well-lit area is a strong deterrent against intruders, said CID Sergeant Heath Justice. We also recommend considering a home surveillance system that produces a clear image. Many of the photos and videos we receive are poorly lit and grainy, which can make it hard to identify a subject. Also, keep a list that contains the serial numbers of all of your guns at a friend’s or a relative’s house. That way if your home is burglarized thieves won’t have access to your only log of identification numbers.
Detectives and residents are asking anyone with information about robberies in Haywood County to call the Haywood County Crimestoppers tip line at 1-877-922-7463 or submit a tip at https://www.haywoodncsheriff.com/community-tips-concerns/
