Sheriff warns of

LENOIR CITY (WATE) – The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office needs your help finding out who’s responsible for about a dozen car break-ins. Deputies say the burglaries happened in the northern end of the county from Lenoir City to Watt Road over the last two weeks.

WATE 6 On Your Side spoke with one woman who lives off Happy Hollow Road and had several things taken out of her car. The sheriff’s office said many of the people who had their cars burglarized left them unlocked.

Mary Jane Woody, 73, said two decks of cards and spare change were taken out of her car about a week ago. That’s on top of two jumper cables and some umbrellas missing from her Chevy Impala.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office said the incidents happened mostly after midnight and sometimes right in people’s garages.

“You’d think, well, if they got that close to the house, they could have tried to break in,” said Woody.

WATE 6 On Your Side found out through police reports that the car break-ins weren’t only happening in one neighborhood. The person or people responsible have hit several sub-divisions that were sometimes a few miles a part.

“You know, I never thought anything about it. I guess if they want it, want it, they’re going to get it, no matter where you’re at if you don’t lock your doors,” said Woody.

Woody said she used to lock her car, but recently, hadn’t felt the need to do that. After this, she said that’s going to change.

“I’d advise you to do it from now on, I’m going to from now on, I know that,” said Woody.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t named any suspect or suspects in these cases. Their biggest advice is to keep your car locked and your valuables safe at home.

If you have any information about these break-ins, you’re asked to call the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office at 865-986-4823.