LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington police are urging people to take precaution after a string of reported thefts from cars within the last month

What You Need To Know

  • Since Nov. 1, Lexington Police have reported 108 car break-ins throughout the city 

  • A gun was stolen from a car in 33 of the cases

  • In Kentucky, drivers with full coverage auto insurance do not pay for glass replacement per state law

  • Residents are reminded to lock their cars, bring in valuables and park in well-lit areas

Since Nov. 1, the department has reported 108 car break-ins which often leads to car damage or stolen property.

Josh Patrick owns Central Kentucky Autoglass. He and his team replace glass on windshields and car doors. One of many reasons people come to his shop is for busted windows because of theft.

“We get calls daily now,” Patrick said.

Patrick said many customers expect to pay a deductible or have higher insurance rates, but in Kentucky drivers with full coverage insurance pay nothing to replace broken glass. Kentucky is only one of five states to have such a law.

“It doesn’t matter if somebody broke into it, if you got mad and threw your cellphone through it, if you have a crazy ex with a baseball bat, mowing your yard and sling rocks through there; any glass in there they’re going to replace,” Patrick said.

Police are reminding people of a 9 p.m. routine, which includes securing your home and car. They shared important information on the department's Facebook page. 

Police say residents can prevent themselves from becoming a target. If it’s at night, park in a well lit area, always lock your car and remove all valuables from plain view.

“As long as it has monetary value and they can exchange it for something or get money from it, then they might take that opportunity and break your window,” said Sergeant Guy Miller with Lexington Police Department.

Miller said break-ins can happen to anyone. The 108 reported thefts in November have happened in neighborhoods. Of the 108 thefts, Miller said in 33 cases a gun was stolen from the car.

“We are seeing them being used in narcotics investigations, assault investigations so we are seeing them on the other side of what we do,” Miller said.

Miller encourages people to report any suspicious activity. Anyone that has a camera is encouraged to register it with the city’s ConnectLex.org. This helps detectives know of any video evidence quicker.

“If you register it with the Lexington Police Department, then that detective can send you an email straight to you and also send the video straight to the detective, which speeds up investigation,” Miller said.

Patrick recommends no matter how your glass breaks, call a glass shop first before speaking with insurance.

“Our shop will take care of everything for you. Lastly, if you do call the insurance company first, you do not have to use the shop they may force you into using,” Patrick said.

The 9 p.m. routine also encourages you to close your blinds, put on an outside light and bring all packages indoors.