Police investigate car break-ins

    PENN YAN—Village police are investigating a series of larcenies that have taken place on South Avenue, Hillcrest Drive, and Orchard Lane.
    Penn Yan Police Chief Mark Hulse said there were at least six cars broken into during the month of June. He added the incidents do not have a pattern, happening at different times and on different days of the week.  Hulse said the suspect is going around and trying to open car doors to see if it is unlocked. Hulse added he or she then rummages through the car for valuables.
    “I think there’s a direct connection between them,” Hulse added. He said the incidents are remarkably similar. Hulse added one car was broken into at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital around the same time as incidents on Hillcrest and South Avenue. He said because those two locations are on opposite ends of the village he does not think it is a related case.
    He explained the suspect only takes cash or items that can be pawned quickly and easily. Hulse said one woman had her purse stolen from the car; cash was taken, but police recovered her credit cards.
At this point the police do not have a main suspect. Hulse said they had a lead earlier in the month, but it “fizzled out.” He said the police are currently investigating people of interest.
    Hulse explained incidents like this happen almost annually. He said the police department received reports of cars being broken into last summer, but it stopped in the fall. Hulse said residents should not leave parked cars unlocked, let alone with valuable items left inside.