By Darrell Halen

Police are investigating a rash of car break-ins in Windham that were committed in late November and early December, according to Capt. Patrick Yatsevich.

Items were stolen from at least five vehicles on Oriole Road. One woman reported that someone broke a car window and stole her pocketbook, which was later recovered with money missing. One man reported the theft of a laptop computer, navigation device, palm pilot and $50 cash from his work truck.

Change was stolen after glove boxes in two vehicles at another Oriole Road residence were searched, and another resident reported the theft of change from their car.

A man on Forest Street reported the theft of an Adelphi satellite radio from his wife’s car and a Manchester resident told police that a briefcase and personal papers were stolen after his car window was smashed while parked at the Common Man Restaurant.

Goods were stolen from at least two vehicles on Cardinal Road. A navigation device was stolen from one vehicle, and a woman’s wallet was stolen from a vehicle at another residence. The wallet was discovered on Wynridge Road.

A Wynridge Road resident reported the theft of a GPS unit from his vehicle, while another reported the theft of $10 to $15.

Yatsevich said the thefts appear to have been committed by the same culprit, since Oriole, Cardinal and Wynridge roads are close together.

Although at least two vehicles had windows that were broken, it appears that most vehicles were left unlocked, Yatsevich said.

“We encourage people to lock their vehicles and not to leave items in plain sight,” said Yatsevich, adding that residents who see or hear suspicious activity should notify police.

Police do not have any suspects at this time. Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Windham detectives at 434-5577 or Crimeline of Southern New Hampshire at 893-6600 or (800) 498-4040.