Staff Report

Car break-ins are becoming a concern around Bell County with multiple break-ins occurring over the past week. Early Monday morning, several break-ins were reported to the Pineville Police Department (PPD).

According to Officer Gary Lambdin of the PPD, perpetrators broke into five vehicles. The criminals committed thefts during two of the break-ins. Items stolen included a GPS, change and a purse.

One of the victims in the Pineville break-ins was Pineville City Councilman Billy Robbins. Robbins stated the burglars busted the side window out of his Escalade. Robbins also claimed a friend’s daughter had her purse stolen out of her car during the chain of events.

Car break-ins have also been occurring in Middlesboro as well. Toadie Nunnelley had her Jeep broke into at the Middlesboro Mall on Thursday night between 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. She stated over $1,000 in items were stolen from her vehicle.

According to Nunnelley, law enforcement informed her that more vehicles were broke into during the hour.

“I hope they get to the bottom of it,” said Nunnelley.

Nunnelley stated this experience has taught her to be more aware of her surroundings and not to leave anything valuable in her car.

Anyone with information regarding the Pineville break-ins can contact Lambdin at 337-2207. Those with information regarding the Middlesboro break-ins can contact 248-3636.