Hillsborough police: Juveniles behind recent rash of car thefts, break-ins

Hillsborough police secured 21 juvenile petitions for a series of car thefts and break-ins.

Officers responded to four car thefts and more than 10 car break-ins between Jan. 29 and March 4 in Carrboro, Durham, Mebane and Orange County.

On Tuesday, investigators received 14 petitions for one juvenile and seven petitions for a second juvenile. They’re seeking more petitions for a third juvenile and are working to identify a fourth person.

An Orange County deputy saw two juveniles as they abandoned a stolen car on Tuesday morning, Hillsborough police said. Several other law enforcement agencies were also involved.

More juvenile petitions are also pending, police said. A petition is a formal pleading that initiates a juvenile court case.

North Carolina law states authorities cannot release the juveniles’ identities.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call 919-296-9562 or email investigator Andrew Jones.

Anonymous tips can be reported by calling: 919-296-9555.