More than 20 cars targeted by thieves in Roanoke County

ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS10) - A Roanoke County neighborhood woke-up to an unpleasant surprise. Roanoke County Police were investigating a rash of car break-ins that happened Thursday night into Friday morning along Santa Anita Terrace. Police said more than 20 cars were targeted. One man said his car was taken altogether.

"It surprises me that some body's got the guts to walk up some body's driveway," said Mark Robertson. "There's two houses sitting here just side-by-side and to have the guts to get into some body's car and take off with it…"

Mark Robertson noticed the car was gone when his daughter left for school. All that was left were scrape marks left by thieves at the bottom of the driveway.

"However they came down the driveway with that car, they had to do some damage to the back of the car," said Robertson.

Some neighbors nearby said their cars were broken into as well.

"My brother said that he heard some strange noise last night, but thought it was animals," said Leslie Taylor. "So, I came looking out for my car and found everything rummaged through land the glove compartment open."

Luckily, no items were stolen, but she lost her comfort and personal security.

"I'm very angry and upset that someone would do this and violate our privacy -- violate our personal belongings," said Taylor.

Police said vehicle break-ins are usually a crime of opportunity and about 60 percent of people don't lock their car doors.

Unfortunately, it's a hard lesson learned for Robertson.

"Lucky, I didn't get up, because I'd be in jail right now," said Robertson.

After this outbreak some neighbors said they were looking to amp up their security, whether it's by adding flood lights, cameras or simply locking the car door.