Tips wanted in thefts at daycare

GREENWOOD, Ind. (WISH) - Johnson County officials are seeking the public’s help after a series of vehicle break-ins at a Greenwood daycare.

The most recent break-in happened Tuesday morning at the Goddard Daycare, 5044 Bancroft Lane. Johnson County Sheriff Doug Cox said it is the second such theft at the daycare, but the first time the suspect vehicle was seen on surveillance video.

In the video, the suspect sits in an SUV in the back of the parking lot at the daycare as the owner of the target vehicle goes inside the center. The suspect then pulls up beside the victim’s vehicle, breaks out the passenger window and is back in his or her own vehicle and driving away within seconds.

"He knew what he was doing. He was breaking the window, and he was gone in 40 seconds just like that," said Steve Patel, owner of Goddard School.

The school has also warned parents about the recent smash and grab in an email.

The victim of Tuesday’s theft reported her purse was stolen, with various credit cards, gift cards, cash and a checkbook inside.

The suspect vehicle, seen in stills from the surveillance video above, is believed to be a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. Anyone with information should call 317-736-2204 or email crimetips@johnsoncountysheriff.com.