Thieves target parents dropping off children

In light of recent thefts outside Cape Girardeau day-care centers, police urged parents to lock their car doors when dropping off children at the facilities.

Since Dec. 22, seven thefts were carried out at Wee-Care Child and Infant Center, 1855 Perryville Road, Christian School for the Young Years, 735 N. Clark Ave., and A Step at a Time, 1003 Perry Ave.

Purses, money, checks and credit cards were stolen from unlocked vehicles while a parent ran inside a day care to drop off children. Police believe the thefts are connected, police Sgt. Barry Hovis said.

Hovis encouraged parents to lock car doors and hide valuables under a car seat when dropping their children off.

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department, 335-6621.