Huntersville police search for thieves targeting parents at day care centers

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — The Huntersville Police Department is investigating an increase of break-ins at day care centers.

Police said someone is breaking into cars at day cares while parents are dropping their children off. In one case, the suspects targeted a car with a child inside.

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"They want to see you run out of a car with nothing in your hands because they know you've left your valuables in your car," Huntersville police officer Odette Saglimbeni said.

On Wednesday at La Petite Academy, police said a man broke a vehicle's window and stole a purse. The cards were then used at the Harris Teeter in the Rosedale shopping center.

While a man is the suspect in the break-in, police released a photo of a woman who they said made the purchase at Harris Teeter. Police said she left in a black Nissan Altima.

The exact same crime happened March 12 at Forrestal Academy just a mile away from the other center.

The suspect's vehicle in this case was this royal blue Mitsubishi Outlander.

Police said the stolen credit cards were used by a man at the same Harris Teeter.

Huntersville police said parents need to be extra careful because the suspects are looking for easy targets.

"Even if you are running in and out for just seconds bring your purse, bring your keys, lock your doors, don't leave any valuable items in your car," Saglimbeni said.

Saglimbeni said the suspects are using the stolen cards to purchase gift cards at Harris Teeter.

Cox Media Group