Laurel, Nearby Areas Hit by Surge in Car Break-Ins

A coordinated crime spree over the weekend in Laurel, Maryland, and surrounding areas resulted in nearly 50 vehicles being broken into, primarily in neighborhoods such as Laurel Lakes and North Laurel. Surveillance footage captured multiple suspects, some with headlamps, breaking windows and searching cars, with at least one getaway driver involved. The break-ins began around 4 a.m. on May 4 and are part of a dramatic rise in incidents, with 175 reported since February compared to just 24 in the same period last year. Police have responded by increasing patrols and urging residents to secure their vehicles and avoid leaving valuables inside. Authorities are also requesting that the community submit any surveillance footage through a secure portal to assist the ongoing investigation. No suspects have been identified, and the motive remains unclear, as some valuable items were left behind.