The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three reports of vehicles being broken into on Sunday, Feb. 10, at a parking lot in Fountain Park.

Deputies responded when three vehicles were broken into while the owners were in the park and the vehicles parked in the adjoining lot.

The three break-ins occurred around the same time, between 5 and 5:15 or 5:20 p.m., according to MCSO Capt. Larry Kratzer.

“After parking in the parking lot and returning to their vehicles, three victims reported the back window of their vehicle smashed and purses removed from all three vehicles,” Kratzer said. “It appears that with the short amount of time that transpired from the time that the vehicle owners parked their cars and returned, that the suspect may have been watching for folks to leave property in their vehicles and for an opportunity to make entry into the vehicles.”

Kratzer said there are a few things people can do to avoid being the victim of such a crime.

First and foremost, do not leave personal property inside a vehicle in plain view. If there is no way to avoid leaving the property in the vehicle, be sure it is hidden and out of plain sight.

Consider locking the valuables in the trunk of the vehicle, but it is important that this not be done in view of anyone.

“Often times, criminals who have the intentions of breaking into a vehicle by smashing windows will only risk doing this if they know there are valuables in the vehicle and they can quickly gain access to the property and get away,” Kratzer said. “People should be careful anytime they are attempting to conceal valuables, since criminals do pay attention to this to find opportunities.”

Folks should be aware of their surroundings and aware of any persons appearing to be suspicious in the area. They can call MCSO to report any suspicious circumstances and deputies will investigate. MCSO will be conducting added patrols in the area as well, according to Kratzer.