Cops: Hancock Co. break-ins escalating

HANCOCK COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - The Hancock County Sheriff's Office is searching for suspects following a rash of car break-ins.  The crimes have many residents fearing they might be next.

Mayela Lopez, "They pick random houses and eventually it comes and gets you."  Friday morning Mayela woke up to find it was her turn.  "My husband wakes me up and says the battery is gone."

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office says her car was one of eight broken into in just one night.  "They ended up taking the battery, the GPS, and my daughter's wallet was in there."

Authorities say the county has seen a significant increase in the number of break-ins recently.  And residents are trying to take precautions.  Jessica Greb also lives in the area, "I've gotten into the habit of, every place I go, locking my car."

In the past, the thieves were only breaking into unlocked cars, but recently they've become more aggressive.  Greb says, "They broke into my passenger side window and they went through my glove compartment.  They went in my center console and threw everything out of there. They took my wallet that was in my center console and my iPod that was in my cup holder. "

Victims say the problem is not just that things are being stolen but also the added inconvenience caused by needing to repair their cars.  Mayela Lopez, "It's very frustrating when they pick you. It's just so upsetting because we were left without a car for the day."

Jessica Greb weighs in, "I think it's just a matter of time until they slip-up hopefully and someone catches them."