Another Purse Stolen in Smash and Grab

It is a scenario that has played out repeatedly over the past few months.

A victim, usually a female, leaves her purse in the car while she works out or enjoys a local park. When the victim returns to the vehicle, she finds her window smashed and the purse gone.

On Nov. 3, a Dacula woman became the latest victim of this crime.

According to the police report, the woman left her purse in her vehicle around 5:30 p.m. while she worked out at . When she returned to her car two hours later, she discovered that her front passenger side window had been smashed and her Coach purse was missing. The purse contained the victim’s wallet, credit cards, driver’s license, social security card, cash and miscellaneous paperwork.

The case is listed as active.

Watch Commander Lt. C. Clemons said Gwinnett County Police are being very proactive in their attempts to prevent further occurrences.

"We have continuously provided increased patrols in that area and we have been working with Gold's Gym to remind their customers to make sure they lock up their property in their trunk or leave it at home if they live relatively close by," he said.

In addition, citizens may also follow the following car break-in prevention tips from AOL autos:

• Lock your doors.
• Keep personal belongings out of sight.
• Stow power cords, adapters and other items that might tip thieves off to the presence of concealed GPS units, iPods and other devices.
• Secure your personal belongings before, not after, you park. .
• Completely close windows and sunroofs.
• Get an alarm.
• Stick with your original audio equipment. After market stereos are often an attractive target for thieves.
• Park in a busy, well-lit area.