Rochester Police Investigating String of Car Thefts

Rochester police is currently investigating five recent thefts from motor vehicles, three of which came at the same location, police said.

In an announcement Friday, Rochester police said there were three thefts from motor vehicles at the Gonic Trails on Rochester Neck Road on Wednesday sometime between 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

"In these cases it appears as if the suspects are smashing car windows and stealing purses, wallets and check books," Rochester police said in a statement posted to Facebook, adding that there have been similar thefts reporter in surrounding areas including New Hampshire and Maine. "The suspects then use those items to fraudulently cash checks and make fraudulent transactions with the credit card and other personal information stolen from the vehicles."

Police added in the statement that people should refrain from leaving valuable items in their cars when possible to avoid increasing chances of a car theft. Additionally, with hiking season underway, police said firearms and other weapons should not be left in unattended vehicles.

Police are seeking any information about the string of recent car thefts, especially those that took place at Gonic Trails. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact them at 603-330-7128. Anonymous calls can also be made by contacting the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or via text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.