Surrounding Area Car Break-Ins Prompt Warning

Mayfield Heights police Det. Joe Leskovec is warning residents to be sure and lock car doors as area break-ins are on the rise.

"The car break-ins are occurring to only unlocked vehicles," Leskovec said. "There have been several reports in the surrounding communities but nothing as of late in Mayfield Heights."

There have been reports of a white man, approximately 6 feet tall wearing a hooded sweatshirt walking in the area of the break-ins, all of which have happened between 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Here are more tips from Leskovec to keep your belongings safe:

• "Don’t leave anything of value inside the car for the criminal to see.  The criminal will chance the risk of getting caught if there is a reward he can see inside your car, i.e. purse, money, GPS unit.  Criminals typically won’t break into a car if there is no reward in sight.  If you have to leave items in your car put them in the trunk."

• "Take your garage door opener out of your car.  If a criminal breaks into your car he now has access to your garage door opener.  This leads to you garage or even your house, if it’s an attached garage.  Then he can steal items from your garage and maybe even attempt to break into your home."

And the bottom line, "Lock your car if left outside whether it is daytime or nighttime," Leskovec said.

If you see anything suspicious, call the at 440-442-2323.