Police warn of third-row seat thefts

WHITTIER - Police warned the public Saturday about a recent rash of vehicle burglaries targeting the third-row seats from SUVs.

"In the past month, the Whittier Police have taken 10 reports of third-row seats being stolen from full-size SUVs," Whittier police officials said in a written statement. Targeted vehicles have included Chevrolets, Cadillacs and GMCs.

In many cases, police said, the seats are stolen from busy shopping centers during the middle of the day.

The seats have become popular items for thieves because they can be quickly removed from the SUVs and are easy to re-sell, authorities said.

Sheriff's deputies in Pico Rivera arrested two men Oct. 25 after they were seen breaking into a car, Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Robert Smith said shortly after the incident. Four allegedly stolen third-row seats from SUVs were found in their Chevrolet Tahoe.

To avoid becoming a victim, police advise SUV owners to remove their third row seats if not being used and store them at home, or secure them to the vehicle with a bicycle lock.

As always, officials said, anyone who sees a suspicious person looking into vehicles in a parking lot is advised to call the police.