Southlake police seek help in gym burglaries

Southlake police and other local departments continue to request the community’s aid in identifying a burglary suspect who targets vehicles in fitness center parking lots.

Southlake’s department released a statement asking residents to stay vigilant for a suspect who police believe is responsible for a string of smash-and-grab burglaries in eight cities.

“Law enforcement officials believe the suspect waits for female customers to park and then waits to see if they enter the gym without their purse,” the news release said. “The suspect looks for targets like this and then breaks into their victim’s car looking for valuables especially credit cards.”

Southlake police believe the suspect is involved with three vehicle burglaries at the 24 Hour Fitness at 301 Nolen Drive. In one theft, a purse and wallet were taken, and in another, a GPS unit and cash.

Police call these burglaries smash-and-grabs because criminals take minutes to smash a vehicle’s window and take items in sight.

Police believe this suspect has been targeting cities like Southlake, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Euless, Frisco, Plano and Colleyville since September.

Those with information can contact Southlake Detective C. Melton at 817-748-8129.

Despite this string of burglaries, Southlake Police Chief Steve Mylett has reported an overall annual decrease in property burglaries.

This story was originally published March 1, 2015 at 2:31 PM with the headline "Southlake police seek help in gym burglaries."