A rash of vehicle break-ins in the community caused local law enforcement to warn residents to lock their doors and not leave valuables inside cars.

“Hoke County residents – as a community, we are undergoing a hefty amount of breaking and entering of motor vehicles, as well as vehicles being stolen. Several neighborhoods in the county have been targeted, and affected greatly by the actions of thieves,” Hoke County Sheriff Dr. Hubert Peterkin wrote in an alert on Facebook.

A group of three to five people are suspected to be behind the rash of vehicle break-ins, the sheriff said. They are described as slim-built men, most of them on foot but with one person driving.

The suspects have been seen going from car to car in driveways to find unlocked vehicles. The break-ins have been taking place between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

“Our patrol division as well as our detective division are working continuously to be proactive and reactive to these types of crimes,” Peterkin wrote.

Anyone with video footage or additional information regarding these crimes is asked to please contact Det. V. Rentz at (910) 875-5111 or by email at vrentz@hokesheriff.org.

“As a reminder, please ensure your vehicles are secured and personal items such as keys, purses, wallets, firearms are not left inside of the vehicles. Please stay vigilant, and stay safe!” Peterkin wrote.