The Washington C.H. Police Department is investigating multiple “smash and grab” thefts from vehicles parked at Washington High School and Grace Community Church Tuesday night.

Officers took four offense reports from individuals whose vehicles were broken into, which resulted in either purses or book bags/backpacks stolen from the inside, according to WPD Lt. Jon Long.

“Three of the cars were parked at the Washington High School complex at 400 South Elm Street,” said Long. “Two of those cars were unlocked. The third car had the window broken. A backpack or book bag containing a school-issued Apple MacBook was stolen from each of the cars.”

A fourth vehicle, parked at Grace Community Church, 525 S. Glenn Ave., had a window broken to gain entry. A purse and a backpack were stolen from inside.

Police are reminding residents to never leave any valuables inside of their vehicles.

“All valuables should be secured inside the trunk with the vehicle locked,” said Long. “Most SUVs are equipped with an anti-theft security shade for the cargo area. Valuables, if they must remain inside of the vehicle, should be placed into the cargo area and the security shade pulled in an effort to conceal the item.”

Residents are also asked to report any suspicious persons and provide a general description (shirt, pants or shorts, tall/short, heavy/thin, hair color and style, walking or using a bicycle or vehicle, and the direction of travel) to the police in order for officers to respond and investigate.

“Most people carry a cell phone with zoom capability that is capable of taking a quality photograph or video,” said Long. “If you are in a location that allows you to safely take a photograph or video of the suspicious person or activity, please do. Our officers are familiar with most criminals residing in the city and county. Many times the officers are overheard saying, ‘that description sounds like….’ A photo or video would greatly benefit the officers with identifying a suspect.”