Security footage shows car broken into using large rock

Police say four cars have been broken into recently in the area known as the spa zone of Desert Hot Springs and in at least one of the instances, security footage shows a suspect throwing a large rock through the passenger side window of the car.

The most recent break-in was caught on camera on January 23rd at about 8:35 p.m. on Eliseo Road, outside the Hacienda Hot Springs Inn, where the victim was a guest.

She told News Channel 3’s Jake Ingrassia she estimates about $400 worth of goods stolen from her car.

The owner of Hacienda Hot Springs Inn wrote in a statement,

“”The guest was told there had been a rash of car burglaries in the neighborhood. She was asked by the management to remove her purse and two large shopping bags, which were clearly visible, from her car. She obviously did not do so. Visitors should use the same caution here in the desert as they do in the city — please don’t leave valuables visible in your car.”

The victim said her purse was not in the car.

Chief Dale Mondary of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department confirmed the break in, and said three other car break-ins occurred in the same area. Two of them happened near The Springs Resort and Spa, and another happened on Reposo Way.

“These are crimes of opportunites,” Chief Mondary said. “It’s a smash and grab; it literally takes five seconds for something like that to actually happen.”

In all the break-ins, car windows were broken, and Chief Mondary said that could link the crime to a suspect or suspects.

“I think we can draw reasonable conclusion that it’s likely they’re being committed by the same person or persons,” he said.”

Police are still working to track down the suspect seen in the video, and urge the public to remain vigilant.

“Park in well lit areas,” Chief Mondary said. “Keep valuables out of plain sight, take them inside with you, lock them in the trunk of your car.”

Overall, crime decreased in Desert Hot Springs by 13.5 percent from the previous year.

You can reach Jake on Twitter, Facebook or email him at jake.ingrassia@kesq.com.