FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Troutman Police Department is investigating a series of motor vehicle thefts and break-ins in the Falls Cove subdivision.

Officers responded to several homes in the subdivision on February 24 after receiving reports of break-ins and thefts, according to a TPD news release.

Four vehicles were stolen from homes in the area and five vehicles were entered and had items taken from them, including several firearms, police said.

During the investigation, officers obtained and viewed residential security camera footage, which showed three vehicles entering the area during the early morning hours, police said. Several subjects wearing dark clothing with hoods, masks, and gloves exited the vehicles and then began checking vehicles to find ones that were left unlocked.

All four vehicles that were stolen were left unlocked with the keys in the vehicle, police said.

The TPD’s Criminal Investigation Unit and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department have recovered three of the four stolen vehicles, which were found in Charlotte.

The TPD reminds all residents to lock their vehicles at all times and to not leave items of value in their vehicles.