Wayzata police issue crime alert after raft of daytime car break-ins

By TIM HARLOW, Star Tribune

Last update: August 14, 2008 - 12:49 AM

A motorist parks a vehicle in a parking lot and returns to find the window smashed and valuables missing.

That's the scenario that's played out at least 10 times in the past two weeks in Wayzata where thieves have broken into cars in broad daylight and made off with purses and wallets containing cash and credit cards. Then they've used the booty to buy gas, groceries and merchandise at large retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart, said Chief Mike Risvold.

Since the beginning of the month, thieves have struck at parking lots at the Woodhill County Club, the Wayzata Yacht Club and at an assisted-living facility called Meridian Manor. Risvold said some - but not all - of the break-ins are related and that police are working with several other departments in the metro area cities where similar crimes have occurred.

"This is not just a Wayzata problem," Risvold said.

Wayzata police issued a crime alert earlier this week reminding residents not to leave valuables in their vehicles and report suspicious activity. Risvold said patrols will step up their rounds in city parking lots.

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