TROUTDALE, OR (KPTV) -
The Multnomah County Sheriff's department has seen an uptick in carburglaries in waterfront communities.
There were five "smash and grab" thefts in Troutdale last Tuesdayalone, according to Lt. Steve Alexander.
On Friday, a thief smashed a window and then popped the trunk of DaniellePrior's car while she was down in the water at Sandy River.
Prior emailed KPTV Monday saying "losing everything has beendevastating," and that beach-goers along the Sandy River should becareful.
Deputies are still looking for the thief who took two purses from the trunkof Prior's car. Over the weekend someone tried to use her stolen credit card ata Wood Village Walmart.
"I went to the river, I thought I was doing something fun, and when Icame back – this is the scene of my car," said Prior Friday in aninterview recorded by deputies.
In the video, Prior motions to the shards of glass that were scatteredacross the seats after the thief broke her front window.
Deputies are now advising travelers to put their valuables in the trunk oftheir cars before reaching their destination to thwart thieves waiting andwatching in parking lots.
In addition, Alexander said anything you don't absolutely need should beleft at home.
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