Columbus seeing rash of car break-ins at malls, restaurants, and parks
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus police are searching for suspects after a rash of car break-ins inside mall and restaurant parking lots and public parks within the past 10 days.
"It's definitely concerning. You do have to keep an eye on everything," Debra Blakesly said after learning about a rash of car break-ins on Sunday at the Park of Roses in Clintonville. "You have to know where you are at and watch what's going on."
Hondas, Toyotas, and a Mercedes were busted into by thieves who stole purses and wallets, and it's not only happening at public parks.
Thieves have also targeted cars parked outside the Mall at Tuttle Crossing twice within 10 days.
"I am looking at seven cars they vandalized. We need an officer out here," a caller told a 911 dispatcher on Saturday.
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ABC 6 checked online Columbus police reports for the past 10 days and discovered seven locations in north and northwest Columbus reported multiple cars being hit by thieves and vandals.
"Mostly it's an opportunity type crime, people leaving stuff just for a second just for a second they think," Todd White with Harr's Auto Glass said.
The family-owned business said it started to see an uptick in business involving cars that were broken into by thieves when the weather started warming up.
"Very rarely do they check and see if the door is unlocked. It's just easier to reach in and get it," White said.
The Columbus Police tell ABC 6 investigators are now combing through police reports as they search for suspects behind the break-ins.
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AAA has the following safety tips for motorists:
- Always lock your car
- Don't leave keys in your vehicle
- Park in well-lit areas
Blakesley says she goes beyond those simple rules and removes everything from her car.
"They are on me. Whatever I have is on me," she said. "I don't want to keep anything valuable in my car."