Break-ins across city increase despite stay-at-home order, CMPD says

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Most businesses are shut down right now, but the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said break-ins are spiking across the city.

Commercial burglaries are up 13% from this time last year.

Commercial robberies jumped 34% in the same time frame.

Last week, police said a suspect barged into Lure, a northeast Charlotte convenience store with a bandanna over his face.

Investigators said the man flashed a gun, demanded money and walked out with a bag full of cash.

Police are also investigating whether a suspect took off with any merchandise after breaking into the Brownlee jewelry store along University City Boulevard early Wednesday morning.

“People are hurting. People are going to take every opportunity that they can to find a way to get money. And, if not; they just take it from other people and I think that’s what we’re seeing,” said CMPD detective Adrian Johnson.

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Police have not made any arrests in either of these cases.

Anyone with information about the incidents are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

Tipsters can remain anonymous and they can receive a cash reward if they have information that leads to an arrest.

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