Thieves target purses left in cars

COEUR d'ALENE — The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is investigating three reports of auto burglaries that took place about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Lake City Academy, 125 E. Locust.

Each incident involved a driver who stopped briefly to drop a child off at school. 

"The victims were only away from their vehicles for a few minutes. During the time they were away, the suspect opened a door and took each victim’s purse," a press release said.

According to police, that kind of auto burglary is often committed by large criminal organizations from outside the area.

"Criminals travel to different cities targeting schools, day care facilities and gyms because wallets, purses and other items of value are often left inside unsecured vehicles," the release said. "Criminals then cash checks and use credit/debit cards from the victim’s bank."

The Coeur d’Alene Police Department reminds citizens to lock their vehicles, even when leaving them for a few minutes, and take wallets and purses with you.