Full Notification

The Southern Pines Police Department would like to call to the attention of the public an increased number of vehicle breaking/entering incidents and larcenies from motor vehicles which have recently occurred in Southern Pines. In the majority of each incident an item of value was left in a parked, unlocked, and unoccupied vehicle. In several of the other larceny from motor vehicle incidents that occurred, unlocked vehicles were entered and glove boxes, along with center consoles, have been searched for items of value. These crimes have been occurring in a wide geographical area in Southern Pines. All residents and visitors are urged to take additional precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their property. Additional police patrols have been implemented and the Southern Pines Police Department is requesting the assistance from the community in apprehending the suspect(s) engaged in this criminal activity by being alert, aware and prepared to be a good witness. Please do not hesitate to call the Southern Pines Police Department to report any suspicious vehicles, individuals or activity that may be observed. You can reach the Southern Pines Police Department at 910-692-7031 or by dialing 911.

Please consider the following crime prevention tips:

1. Lock all your vehicles doors even if you plan to be away for only a brief period of time.
2. Do not leave valuables in your car. Firearms, computers, purses and wallets are highly desired targets that are frequently stolen.
3. Do not leave any "sign" that there might be valuables out of sight in your vehicle, such as docking stations, phone chargers or connector cables.
4. Very few larceny from motor vehicle incidents are random. Thieves see something in plain sight that is valuable and they can quickly steal. Leave nothing in plain sight that might make your vehicle worth investigating by a thief; not even loose coins.
5. Remember, just "locking" isn't enough. Keep your car off the target list of thieves by keeping all hints of valuables totally out of sight.
6. Thieves often use flashlights to see through tint. Do not think your dark tinted windows will hide your valuables.
7. Set any alarm or anti-theft device if your vehicle has one.