BELFAST — Belfast Police are looking for a white SUV in connection with three separate vehicle break-in incidents at two YMCAs, two of which occurred Dec. 2 and 3. 

According to a Dec. 6 press release from Belfast Police Chief Robert Cormier said that police believe the vehicle they’re looking for is a white compact SUV, possibly a Nissan or Toyota.

Chief Cormier said police believe that the same person or persons are behind both Belfast incidents, in addition to the vehicle break-ins at the the Lawrence Family Fitness Center in Blue Hill, a branch of the Down East Family YMCA, also known as the Downeast YMCA, which happened over the same weekend. That YMCA is located in Blue Hill. 

Belfast Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and cautious with the belongings they leave in their vehicles after the second spate of vehicle break-ins at the Waldo County YMCA over the last two months. 

The most recent Belfast incident occurred between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2.  It was reported that eight vehicles were broken into within that hour. There were no witnesses to the thefts; however video surveillance footage shows that the vehicle involved was a white Toyota or Nissan compact SUV. 

The earlier incident, which occurred Nov. 11, took place around the same time, and involved four to five vehicles, Cormier said. 

“We’re pretty sure this is the same vehicle that hit the Downeast YMCA in Blue Hill, because the vehicle (Blue Hill Police) have and the vehicle we have pretty much look identical,” he said. “It would be an odd coincidence if the vehicles aren’t the same suspects.”

Cormier said he believes five vehicles were broken into in the Blue Hill incident.

The vehicle used in both crimes appear similar. Despite video evidence of the crimes, police were not able to identify a suspect or a license plate number. Cormier said the video shows a vehicle driving around the parking lot of the Belfast Y, pulling in beside various vehicles in an apparent attempt to see what was inside. The unidentified suspect entered the vehicles by smashing their windows, taking mostly wallets and purses.

Cormier said they are working with several law enforcement agencies to identify the individual in question, and Belfast Police are following up on leads, in addition are watching financial transactions for the missing cards or used checks for possible leads. 

“We’re pretty busy and active with this case,” he said.

The investigation into the thefts is active, with officers working on it throughout the day Monday, Dec. 5. At this time, Belfast Police are working with several Law Enforcement agencies in the Midcoast in attempt to identify the suspects or locate their vehicle.

“We are also sharing the information across New England to see if other states are experiencing similar thefts,” said Cormier.

With the holiday season, Cormier had advice for residents and visitors:

Either take valuables with you where you go, or lock them in your trunk. At the very least Cormier advised to hide your belongings underneath another item so that they aren’t in plain sight. Cormier described the crimes as opportunistic. 

The same goes for all the trinkets and baubles people may be buying in preparation for Christmas. While it can be easy to simply drop off shopping at the car before continuing to the next destination, it can also lead criminals to identify your vehicle as a prospective target. 

Cormier said: “If there are 100 cars in the parking lot, they’re going to go after the ones where they see the items that they want, like a pocket book. So what I would suggest is if you’re going into a store, or health club, to lock those things in your trunk, or if you have a locker at the gym maybe lock them in there, or leave them home; definitely don’t leave them out on your seat, or at least cover them up with a jacket or something.” 

The same goes for the many gifts being purchased and stowed in preparation for Christmas. 

“They’re just looking for victims of opportunity. They’ll quickly glance into every car in the parking lot, and they’re going to punch the glass on the ones they see that they can get [to] quickly, and get out of there,” Cormier said. 

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact police. 

Cormier also advises residents and visitors to be on the lookout,

“Just be attentive and alert,” he said. “If it looks suspicious, it probably is.”

He asked those who may happen upon such instances not to approach those suspected. 

“Just give us a call,” he said.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, they should contact the Belfast Police Department at 207-338-2040 or email Detective Sgt. Fitzpatrick at d.fitzpatrick@belfastmepd.org

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com