ENCINITAS — An unknown number of suspects are targeting vehicles in the parking lot of the LA Fitness gym on El Camino Real, stealing a number of items, including purses and wallets.
Detective Chris Lawrence of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department said they were able to obtain a photo of at least one of the suspects, who was using one of the stolen credit cards at the Encinitas Target store.
The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s, approximately 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing 170 pounds. He has dark brown hair.
The first break-in was reported on Jan. 7, and the latest being reported on Feb. 7. The majority of the thefts took place during the hours between 7 and 10 a.m. Two of the nine break-ins occurred between the hours of 1 and 4:30 p.m.
There are no cameras over the gym’s parking lot, according to Lawrence.
It’s believed to be a crime of opportunity, Lawrence said.
The suspect or suspects may be monitoring the parking lot and while the vehicle owner is in the gym, looking inside the vehicles to see if any valuables have been left inside before breaking the vehicle’s windows.
Lawrence said people should remove all personal items from the car, or lock them in the trunk.
