Car break-ins on the rise

PULASKI COUNTY, AR - Despite a warning from law enforcement to remove valuables from cars, people are still leaving purses, lap tops, and cell phones in plan view.

Little Rock Police and the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office are seeing a rash of vehicle break-ins at The Big Dam Bridge, Two Rivers Park, and Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

Police say the problem is people leaving valuables in cars while they walk, run or bike on local paths and trails. Police say crowded parking lots are prime places for people to break into vehicles.

Police believe two women from Florida are going from state to state, breaking into vehicles parked at popular outdoor spots. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office believes that the woman are driving a silver 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, Georgia license plate BVS3641.

People who leave backpacks, purses, cell phones, even money in the ash tray are what the suspects look for. Lt. Terry Hastings says that's an invitation to get your car broken into. Hastings says it's surprising how many people don't lock up their stuff, leaving purses and wallets sitting in the seats.

Ryan Garvin runs and bikes along the River Trail 3 times and week and says he tries to keep things in his pocket. "While I'm running I do have to leave stuff in the car because it's just not convenient to carry with me."

Police say if you insist on leaving valuables in your car, hiding them at least decreases the chances someone will break into your car.

Alfredrick Phillips parks his truck at The Big Dam Bridge and never leaves anything in the seats. "My truck is spotless clean. I hide everything in the console, even my CD case I put in the console. Nothing is in plan sight."

Police are asking anyone with any information on the two suspects to call police before they break into any more cars and steal from anyone else.

So far, police say the suspect’s break-ins have been quite lucrative. They're not only taking cash from wallets and purses, but stealing check books, and racking up credit card charges.