KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Police Department said cars were broken into Sunday morning at parking lots of two hotels, and around 20 attempted break-ins were reported. KPD did not identify anyone who may have been involved but said there was evidence suggesting they were trying to steal guns.
A former car thief who was released from prison around a week ago said people should take steps to discourage thieves from breaking into their vehicles. Top among them is to lock the doors to the car.
"Leave nothing enticing in the car," said Jeremiah Johnson. "Don't leave the window cracked like that, even if it's hot. You leave the window cracked and you get a coat hanger down in there to open it up."
Johnson said he was 15 years old when he started breaking into cars. He said he was in and out of prison for around 30 years, and now at 42 years old, he said he wants to be a force for good.
"I really buckled down into seeing a new way of life, and realized that God loves me and he wants better for me," he said.
He said people should take steps to make sure nothing valuable is left in their cars when leaving. Those include bags, personal items, any visible keys, cash and any kind of debit or credit card. He also emphasized that people should lock their doors.
"There's really no security. So, if your door is unlocked and your alarm is not set, it's easy pickings," he said. "Older cars are easier .... Newer cars, you expect to find better stuff when you're just breaking in."
A police report from Sunday morning said the front passenger side window was "broken out." It was parked overnight at a Holiday Inn.
"Cars that are off by themselves or, you know, in dark places — they're easier to get around," he said. "But if they are in well-populated areas, you know, and kind of stay away from them."
Anyone with information about Sunday's break-ins should reach out to the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at (865) 215-7165, or online.