The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division is investigating a trend of forced entry vehicle burglaries being reported at local parks, trails, and various parking lots. These suspects are not only hoping to discover unlocked doors and/or vehicle windows; perpetrators are making entry by smashing windows.

The investigative trend shows these perpetrators to be targeting females who leave their vehicles without a purse. When entry is made, a purse is stolen and credit cards are being used a various locations. Victims reported parking their vehicles, hiding their valuables, securing doors and windows, and returning later to find they have been burglarized.

Video surveillance from a local store shows a male and female using a stolen credit card immediately after Deputies were dispatched to the actual vehicle burglary scene. The male was described as a White adult, mid to upper 30’s, bald head, large build, tattooed on forearms, and driving a two-toned (black & gray) newer model Ford Explorer or Mercury Mountaineer SUV. The female was described as a White or Hispanic adult, upper 20’s, black hair, last seen wearing floral print summer dress attire, and has a large unknown tattoo on her upper right shoulder blade.

Anyone who is a victim of a vehicle burglary or observes suspicious activity is urged to contact law enforcement immediately. In regards to the identity of these two individuals, anyone can contact the Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division at 328-3320 or remain anonymous by calling Secret Witness at 322-4900.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrates 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 24th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process and traditional street patrols.