A troubling surge in car break-ins has gripped Durham, with the city now averaging over 10 incidents per day. The latest figures from Durham Police reveal nearly 3,000 car break-ins reported by November 9, marking a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year. As the holiday season approaches, law enforcement warns the problem could worsen.
Victims Left Frustrated and Heartbroken
For Durham resident Aide Arredondo, a shattered truck window wasn’t just an inconvenience—it disrupted her life. Thieves stole essential documents, including her passport, while she was working at a hair salon last week.
“I was planning to have a trip in two weeks to see my family in Mexico, so now I can’t,” Arredondo shared, her voice tinged with exhaustion and sadness. She’s now offering a cash reward for the return of her stolen items.
“It’s exhausting,” she said. “I’m tired, I’m sad, I have all the feelings.”
A Growing Concern for Police and Residents
In a two-week span from late October to early November, Durham police logged 134 car break-ins, a statistic that highlights the growing frequency of these crimes. According to Larry Smith, spokesman for the Durham County Fraternal Order of Police, the holiday season often sees an uptick as thieves target shoppers who leave visible packages in their vehicles.
“It’s common to see an increase in car break-ins during the holiday season,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, packages and personal items left in plain sight make for easy targets.”
Police Response and Preventive Measures
CBS 17 reached out to the Durham Police Department for an interview regarding the recent surge, but no representatives were available for comment.
Meanwhile, Smith urges residents to take precautions:
• Never leave valuables or packages visible in vehicles.
• Always lock doors and roll up windows.
• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
A Community on Edge
The rise in car break-ins leaves many Durham residents feeling vulnerable, especially as they prepare for the bustling holiday season. For victims like Arredondo, the loss is more than material—it’s deeply personal.
As law enforcement continues to grapple with the growing numbers, residents are left asking for stronger action and solutions to restore peace of mind in their community.
