At least 14 vehicles were broken into overnight at the Avalon Perimeter Park apartments in Morrisville. 

The WRAL Breaking News Tracker arrived at the apartment complex shortly after 9 a.m. and saw several vehicles with broken windows and glass on the ground.

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A Wake County forensics team was on scene investigating, but they told WRAL that it was unclear how many cars were broken into. WRAL counted six cars with broken windows when they arrived this morning. 

Monday's break-in was the latest in a series of targeted vehicles parked in apartment lots near north and west of Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Morrisville police said they are investigating the series of break-ins, including one at a nearby hotel Monday morning. 

Last week, thieves hit Adara Alexander Place Apartments and Indigo Apartments. Those communities are about five miles from Avalon Perimeter Park, near Brier Creek. 

Residents at Avalon Perimeter Park apartments say this isn't the first incident at their specific complex.

Courtney Cole said her car was broken into last night and the repairs will cost over $400. Three years ago, the apartments suffered from a similar break-in incident. She said she made a complaint to management asking for more security measures but nothing changed. 

"We were reassured that we would have cameras and a gate," Cole said. "They have failed to do so."

WRAL reached out to apartment management in an email asking what security is already in place and whether there are plans to bolster security after this most recent incident. We have not yet heard back. 

Without change, residents like Cole say they worry for their safety.

"I work really really hard for everything that I've [received] in life," Cole said. "I want to make sure that when I lay down at night that -- my car, my apartment, everything -- I feel safe. And right now, I'm not sure that I feel safe."

WRAL reached out to the Morrisville Police Department to ask whether the break-ins at Avalon Perimeter Park apartments are connected to other break-ins in the area. We have not yet heard back. 

Authorities always warn drivers not to leave valuables in vehicles, especially if they are visible. 

Here are other tips to prevent car break-ins:

  • Avoid leaving phones, laptops, loose change or cash in plain view.
    • Park in well-lighted areas.
      • Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even when it is in front of your home.
        • Avoid purchasing expensive items and leaving them in the car while doing other shopping.
          • Never leave GPS units/mounts visible when the vehicle is unattended.
            • Remove after-market stereo equipment from the dash. This includes CD players/radio with removable “faces.”
              • Remember to quickly notify law enforcement to help increase the chances of apprehending the suspect and preventing future incidents.