The Chapel Hill Police Department is investigating a spike in vehicle break-ins reported overnight.

Law enforcement agencies across the Triangle are warning drivers to stay vigilant after a wave of vehicle break-ins overnight into Saturday morning left dozens of car owners with shattered windows and stolen property.

Chapel Hill police said nearly 60 vehicles were broken into between 3 and 4:30 a.m., with most of the incidents concentrated in hotel and apartment parking lots.

Raleigh police responded to two locations on Little Brier Creek Lane early Saturday, following several reports of vehicle break-ins at hotel parking lots.

Authorities said 27 more cars were targeted around 5 a.m.

For Olivia, whose car window was smashed, the morning was anything but routine.

"It's just really unfortunate. It's going to be raining for the next couple of days. So we were going to have to rush to get the window fixed. I mean, you know, most insurance doesn't cover break ins," she said.

Sophie Bozymski, who lives at Timber Hollow Apartments, said she has been crying all morning after discovering her car had been vandalized for the second time in recent months.

"It's really frustrating because it's violating; it's vandalism. It is an invasion of privacy and safe space," Bozymski said.

Bozymski recalled waking up around 3 a.m. to the sounds of commotion outside. "I went to bed and woke up around three. Hearing some commotion, sound like people were arguing or loud noises outside...didn't know what was going on. But it makes sense that meanwhile my car is being, you know, broken into," she said.

She said the thieves took her work bookbag and other belongings. "I actually was smart enough to bring my wallet out this time because last time they took the wallet."

Bozymski estimates it will cost her about $500 to replace the broken window. "It's a great place to live. But I think the security around Chapel Hill just needs to be picked up a little bit because you can never be too safe," she said.

Chapel Hill Police Chief Celisa Lehew said in a statement, "We know how frustrating and violating it is to wake up and find your vehicle damaged and your belongings taken. Our dedicated team is working these cases, reviewing evidence, and looking for connections, all to identify those responsible for this."

Police said several arrests were made Aug. 25 in connection with vehicle break-ins in Chapel Hill.

Officers are urging residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of car break-ins:

Always lock car doors and windows.

Do not leave keys, valuables, or bags inside vehicles.

Never leave a gun in a vehicle.

Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas when possible.

Never leave a vehicle running and unattended.

Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip through Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC Crimestoppers at (919)-942-7515.