A wave of car prowls in the Clinton area in the past month has prompted the Island County Sheriff’s Office to issue a warning for people to be wary.

Det. Ed Wallace said Tuesday that since July 1, a number of vehicle break-ins have been reported at Deer Lake Park, the Clinton Park-and-Ride lot behind the post office and other nearby locations.

Wallace said 11 vehicle break-ins were reported in the entire South Precinct, compared to five last year. All occurred in the Clinton area, and all involved vehicles parked during the day, he said.

Thefts from vehicles included mostly purses, wallets, credit cards and cell phones, Wallace said.

He said there have been no leads, and there are no suspects.

Wallace urged victims to report break-ins to 911 right away, and to remember that just because a credit card was left behind doesn’t mean the number hasn’t been noted.

“Bottom line is, lock your car and don’t leave valuables in it,” Wallace said.