INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. — Three firearms were stolen amid a string of vehicle break-ins Tuesday in Indian Trail, according to the Union County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies responded to the Brandon Oaks subdivision after more than 20 vehicles were broken into. The sheriff's office said each vehicle was unlocked with valuables inside.
New data released Monday by the FBI shows motor vehicle theft shot up nearly 13% between 2022 and 2023. The motor vehicle theft rate — nearly 319 per 100,000 people — was the highest last year since 2007.
Moreover, a gun is stolen from a car every 9 minutes in the United States according to Everytown, a gun safety advocacy group. The biggest message from UCSO is to not leave any valuables inside your car especially guns so they don’t end up in the hands of criminals.
“These firearms were stolen by criminals and will now be used by other criminals,” said Lt. James Maye. “More than likely they (guns) are stored under seat, between the seats or in the glove box that’s open which is easily accessible to anyone especially with the doors unlocked.”
Across Union County, Maye said 51 guns have been stolen so far this year. The majority were stolen from cars and from homes. He is urging gun owners to store their weapons properly and not leave them in their car.
Maye adds it’s important for gunowners to document the serial number and take photos of their weapons so they can track them if stolen.
“We can put it in our nationwide system and if those guns are found during a traffic stop or pawn shop sale then we would be notified and that help lead us to dangerous offenders," he said.
The UCSO is urging neighbors to be vigilant and outlined safety tips in a post on Facebook Tuesday. Those tips include always locking vehicles, removing valuables, and using outdoor lighting and cameras to deter suspects and later identify them.
Residents are being asked to share any security footage of photographs that may help deputies identify a suspect. Tips can also be called into Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600 or submitted through the office's free smartphone app.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.