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| Police say this man smashed the back windshield of this SUV and stole items from the vehicle that had been dropped off in the car while the customer returned to the stores to do more shopping. [Credit: Courtesy Merrimack Police Department] |
A series of recent car break-ins at the Merrimack Premium Outlets has police warning shoppers to be aware of their surroundings and lock up all vehicles when they are out shopping this holiday season.
Police on Tuesday posted the two above photos to their wall on Facebook, asking if anyone recognized the man stealing a package from an SUV or the sedan he apparently left the scene in.
The photos were snapped on a cell phone by an alert mall employee on break who witnessed the incident as it was happening, according to Merrimack Police Lt. Denise Roy.
"There are people like this gentleman in the picture where that’s all they do. They stalk people watching for them leaving bags in the car," and seize the opportunity, Roy said.
In this particular incident, which she said happened on Oct. 17, the man stealing the box from the SUV actually smashed the back windshield of the vehicle in broad daylight.
Roy said in addition to seeing a recent uptick in crime like this, it also serves as a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and alert to things that seem out of the ordinary while shopping. Police ask that if people see something out of place or suspicious, to report it.
Roy said the department will be stepping up its patrols of retail centers including the Outlets this week and in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The management at the Outlets has also hired detail officers from the police department to help monitor traffic, the parking lots and the crowds during the holidays.
If you have any information about the man involved in the theft above, or if you have seen anything suspicious in the parking lots while shopping that might help in other thefts from vehicles, call the Merrimack Police Department at 424-3774.
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