At least 19 drivers got an unwelcome surprise in Wake County on Monday afternoon, after a rapid-fire wave of car break-ins at two suburban gyms left windows shattered and nerves frayed. Thieves hit the lots, smashed glass, rifled glove compartments and center consoles, then took off, according to police and residents. Officers responded to both scenes and investigators are now hunting for tips and video.
The targeted vehicles were clustered at two fitness centers: five cars in a Planet Fitness parking lot on Cary Towne Boulevard and 14 at the Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, all within a short time span, as reported by WRAL. Cary resident Sandi Wilson told the station her car window was smashed and someone dug through her glove box and center console. She said she expects to be on the hook for the cost of replacing the glass herself.
Where The Break-Ins Happened
The Cary break-ins took place in the surface lot outside Planet Fitness on Cary Towne Boulevard. The gym lists its local facility as Planet Fitness Cary. In Morrisville, the cluster of 14 incidents was reported at the town-run Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center, which is detailed on the town website as Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center. Both locations feature large lots that fill up with gym-goers during the day, creating a convenient, if unwelcome, target for thieves.
Police Investigating
Cary and Morrisville police are actively investigating and have not yet said whether the two sites are linked, according to WRAL. Officers have been canvassing the affected parking areas for surveillance cameras and are asking residents and businesses to review any footage from the time of the break-ins. Detectives are also encouraging people to check doorbell and dash cameras for suspicious activity and share anything that might help connect the dots.
Protect Your Car
Even before this latest spree, Cary police had been warning gym-goers to lock up and leave valuables at home. That advice is front and center in the town’s “Lock Up Before You Lift” reminder, which includes prevention tips on the Town of Cary website. Anyone who saw something or has relevant footage can call Cary’s non-emergency line at (919) 469-4012. Morrisville police contact details and reporting options are listed on the Town of Morrisville: Police page. Investigators in both towns say those extra eyes and cameras could be what finally breaks the case.
