Several vehicles were broken into in the Sterling Lakes subdivision in Covington late Tuesday into early Wednesday.
The rash of thefts, occurring before 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, were mostly small items left on the seat, with the exception of a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville.

The owner started the Pontiac at 6:10 a.m., before going back in the house on Sterling Lane. According to reports, about 15-20 minutes later, he came back outside and saw that the vehicle was gone. The victim told the Covington Police Department (CPD) that he noticed glass on the side of his driveway, “as if someone had busted the window.”

Five other vehicles in the immediate area had broken windows, and another had scratch marks on it.

According to reports, a victim on Sterling Lakes Drive came out to his 2004 GMC Yukon at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday and saw their passenger side window broken and the vehicle ransacked. The victim told police their wallet was taken, containing $20 in cash, along with their driver’s license, and social security and debit cards.

Approximately 20 minutes later, another area vehicle was reported broken into. A 2004 Mercury Mountaineer, reportedly, had its rear passenger window smashed on Amanda Lane. The victim told CPD that the incident occurred between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

On Sterling Lane SW, a High Point pistol was taken from a Ford Crown Victoria with its passenger side window broken out.

Also on Sterling Lane, a 2009 Kia Optima had its left rear window broken, and a brown tote purse was taken, according to reports. The victim of the Kia break in also reported a gray tank top left by the side of her house. The victim told police the shirt, which had feces on it, was not there the day before.

Another vehicle on Sterling Lakes Drive SW, had scratch marks on it, but was not broken into. The 2016 Chevy Malibu with keyless entry, had scratch marks just up above the door handle on the passenger side front door.

According to reports the victim didn’t notify police until she had heard of the other break-ins in the area.

CPD is investigating the thefts and break-ins, and recommend citizens take precautions and leave their lights on and lock their car doors.

“If you see any suspicious activity call the Covington Police Department,” CPD Capt. Craig Treadwell said. “If anything arouses your suspicion, and you think it might be criminal activity, call us to check it out.

“Don’t hesitate to call us if you feel there is criminal activity present day time or night time.”