CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A concerning trend in Charlotte has law enforcement on high alert.

According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, car thefts have more than doubled over this time last year.

What You Need To Know

  • Car thefts are up 143% from the previous year, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department

  • Thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles from Jan. 1 to June 30 are up nearly 2,000% over past year, according to CMPD
  • So far CMPD has arrested 520 suspects on car theft charges, and of those 373 are juveniles, which is up 293% from the previous year

  • CMPD says to protect your vehicle, lock your doors, park in well-lit areas and use a steering wheel lock

A typical morning for Emily Shoupe begins by starting up the computer and checking in on work for the day ahead. But one Monday morning that changed.

"I started work at 8 in the morning and it was a pretty normal day. Actually, it was really nice. I had woke up early and coffee before work, and then I got a random phone call," Shoupe said.

Unfamiliar with the number, she hesitantly answered, only to be surprised by the person on the other line.

CMPD informed her that her car was stolen from her apartment complex lot.

"Where is it?" Shoupe said. "Is someone playing a cruel joke on me?”

Her car had been broken in to and stolen, but she’s not the only one. Car thefts are up 143% from the previous year and it’s much worse for Hyundai and Kia owners. Thefts of those vehicles from Jan. 1 to June 30 are up nearly 2,000% over the past year.

Shoupe's car was a Kia, and her back window was shattered and the steering wheel was dismantled.

"They were not built initially with what's called an immobilizer. So it's a tool that prevents your car from starting unless you have the exact key for that, and some kids kind of figured that out," Shoupe said.

According to a police report, officers think the suspect is 16.

"Parents need to be watching their children and making sure that they’re not doing these actual crimes. This is making their children criminals," Shoupe said.

So far, CMPD has arrested 520 suspects for car theft, and of those 373 are juveniles. That’s up 293% from the previous year.

The theft has left Emily picking up the tab after just paying off her vehicle.

"I'm out of a lot of money, because of no doing of my own. I have to take on a car payment, of no doing of my own. I actually just had this car paid off," Shoupe said.

Emily’s case is being reviewed as her car gets repaired.

To protect your vehicle, you should lock your doors, park in well-lit areas and use a steering wheel lock, police say.