Vandals target cars at Cary hotels and fire stations, including The Umstead

Police said at least 10 cars were found damaged Wednesday in the parking lot of The Umstead, a luxury hotel in Cary, after WRAL News received a tip Wednesday morning that a family member's car had been damaged in the parking lot at 100 Woodland Pond Drive.

The damage supposedly occurred overnight.

It's the third time this year that cars at The Umstead have been targeted.

Police said three other Cary hotels were targeted, including The Hampton Inn on Hampton Woods Drive, the Hilton Garden Inn on Columbus Avenue and the Sonesta Suites on Hospitality Court.

Over the past 10 days, car damage has also been reported in the parking lots of four Cary fire stations – stations 3, 4, 5 and 7 – on Kildaire Farm, Old Apex, High House and Carpenter Fire Station roads, respectively.

A spokesperson for The Umstead did not comment on the incident.

A guest told WRAL News she wonders if the hotel was doing enough to protect visitors. The parking lot does have lights, but it is cut off from the main hotel by tall trees.

Alexander said Cary's growing reputation as a tourist draw also draws thieves. Thousands of people are expected in town this weekend for The Soccer Tournament.

"When you have a big draw event such as this you're going to have a lot of folks coming in, a lot of hotels are going to be filled to capacity," Alexander said.

He reminded residents and visitors to lock their cars and never to leave valuables inside.