Police investigate third car break-in at Huntersville area daycare center

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — An alarming trend of thieves targeting cars parked at daycares in Huntersville seems to be continuing.

For the third time this month, thieves preyed on parents dropping and picking up their children at Huntersville daycares.

"It's terrible that we've gotten to that place in cases when you take your safety for granted," parent Adam Phillips said.

The most recent car break-in was on Friday during pick up at Kids R Kids on Northcross Center Court.

Parents who contacted Channel 9 said the suspects drove through the center's carpool line before breaking into a car.

Police said in this latest  case, the thief found the car door was unlocked.

The daycare sent a letter to parents saying another parent's laptop bag and wallet with two credit cards were stolen.

It also said the suspects "immediately went to Harris Teeter and charged $1,500 what they assumed were gift cards."

"You just have to keep your eyes out and I don't know, you just don't know who to trust," parent Donna Clooney said.

Friday's incident falls in line with an alert from Huntersville Police earlier this month. They said thieves are waiting outside of daycares to see if parents go inside empty-handed, letting the suspects know that there are likely valuables in that parent's car.

In the last 30 days, thieves have targeted Forrestal Academy, LaPetite Academy, and Kids 'R' Kids.

In a case two weeks ago, officers said the burglars smashed a window while a child was in the car.

Police released photos of the suspects using stolen credit cards.

After Friday's theft, Kids R Kids urged parents to get in the habit of locking their car.

"I don't lock my car as often as I should, I don't lock my house as often as I should," Phillips said.

Police said they are working to figure out if the man came back in a black Volvo SUV in Friday's incident.

Officers said after these incidents, they want to remind parents of three things to keep this from happening again: don't leave your car running, take your valuables with you, and don't forget to lock your car.

Cox Media Group