Cotati police warn of thefts from unlocked cars

Cotati police on Saturday issued a warning to residents about a series of thefts from unlocked vehicles in the southern part of the city.

Police Chief Michael Parish said the thefts have occurred between midnight and 5 a.m. and police patrols have been increased in the area south of East Cotati Avenue and east of Sierra Avenue.

The perpetrators are not breaking into homes or vehicles, but are looking for chances to quickly snatch items such as tools or golf clubs, Parish said, calling the thefts “crimes of opportunity.”

Residents should lock their vehicles and avoid leaving valuable objects in plain sight, he said.

Parish also urged residents to report any suspicious behavior, such as a pedestrian or bicyclist who “doesn’t look right,” by calling police at 792-4611.

“It’s OK if there’s no crime,” he said. “We want to check what’s going on.”