12 break-ins in a month at Arbor Trails

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The parking lot of the popular South Austin shopping center, The Shops at Arbor Trails, has become a hot spot for car burglars, with 12 break-ins reported to Austin police since March 18.

No arrests have been made in the break-ins, which police said are happening between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m.

"It doesn't take long to drive around and watch somebody who very visibly leaves their purse in their car," said Lt. Fred Fletcher, who patrols the area. "For a police officer to sit here for an hour and a half, to look for a burglar is a long investment of time. But for a burglar to sit here for an hour and a half to make 25 or 50 bucks off stolen property is a good investment of his time."

Officers are patrolling the parking lot but said they cannot see everything or devote all the time necessary to catch the crooks in action.

Several vehicles in the parking lot were left unlocked, and many had valuable items, such as purses and GPS systems visible from the outside.

"We want you to make sure you take your property with you. If you don't take it with you, you hide your property under the seat, maybe under a blanket or something, a coat. And make sure you lock your vehicle. Roll the windows up, and lock the vehicle," said Officer Harold Ristow, who is trying to get the word out to drivers. "Just be observant."

The Shops at Arbor Trails center is located at the southeast corner of William Cannon Drive and MoPac.