Boone County Sheriff’s deputies warn of car break-ins in east Columbia

Boone County Sheriff’s deputies are warning residents in the El Chapparal neighborhood to be on the lookout after more than a dozen car break-ins.

Det. Tom O’Sullivan says deputies have responded to at least 16 larceny reports and one report of a stolen vehicle in the subdivision off of Route WW. In the case of the stolen vehicle, the keys were left inside the car.

Law enforcement says laptop computers, cell phones and other electronics were stolen during the overnight hours from unlocked vehicles.

Deputies were able to arrested two men in connection to approximately seven of the thefts, but there are still several suspects on the run.

O’Sullivan advises all residents to lock their cars at night and do not leave any valuable items in plain sight.