Rash of car break-ins reported in NN

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Since Jan. 31, police say seven cars have been broken into in the Huntington Heights neighborhood of Newport News.

Though no one has yet broken into Kyle Willis' car, he said he is being particularly cautious since hearing about the rash of break-ins.

"We love it down here, but I don't want anyone breaking into my cars," Willis said.

Cory Newell didn't have Willis' luck.

When he went to his car the morning of Jan. 1, he saw someone had stolen his company laptop and cell phone and trashed his car.

"I felt violated," Newell said. "I felt the idea that someone would come into my property, break into my vehicle and take stuff just completely blew my mind."

Residents said the small streets nestled next to the Newport News Shipyard rarely see any crime.

During the weekend, resident Craig Yedlin said he was woken up twice by his dog barking. When he stepped outside, he scared strangers away from the area.

"At 3 a.m. and you're walking around here... either you're drunk or you're up to no good," Yedlin said.

Residents are fearful the suspects could return at any time, possibly breaking into homes.

"If they are just doing cars now, and they don't get caught, is it going to be my house next?" Willis said.

If you have any information on these crimes, contact Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.