Eagle Creek Park visitors report series of car break-ins - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Police are concerned about a series of break-ins at an Indianapolis park.

The deer roam freely in Eagle Creek, but they're not the only ones roaming the park. Less than two weeks into the new year, Indy Parks says there have already been three vehicle break-ins.

"I would say that people's property is as safe here in the Indy Parks as it would be anywhere at a mall or in a church parking lot," said Maureen Faul with Indy Parks.

According to Faul, park rangers, who are part of IMPD, patrol Eagle Creek throughout the day as part of their rounds of the city's northwest section.

"You will start seeing stepped up patrol throughout the park to address this problem," Faul added.

"I think they should just have security cameras or something out here. I mean, this park's too nice for people to come out here and just destroy it," said Chris Naylor as he visited the park with family

Naylor said he wants to enjoy the park, but doesn't want to worry about who might be lurking and waiting for him to leave his truck unattended.

"You would never think this place and all the nice people you run into out here would ever do that," said Naylor of the recent break-ins.

Eagle Creek has had a rash of car break-ins before. They have usually happened more frequently during the summer months.

"It's one of those things where crime is up and, unfortunately, the economy's down and there are going to be smash and grabs," explained Faul.

Indy Parks has put up signs in Eagle Creek Park to remind visitors not to leave their valuables in plain sight in their vehicles. But not everyone has listened to the message.

"I had my GPS in my car. But I'll be sure to put that away now," said one man who was walking through the park Friday when he heard about the recent smash and grabs.

It's that kind of common sense, Indy Parks says, will go a long way in preventing similar break ins.

Even if the criminal element doesn't go away, removing what's drawing them there, like valuables left in plain sight, could make Eagle Creek Park and its visitors less attractive targets.

Indy Parks said if visitors have concerns about security or the recent break-ins, they can give them a call at 317-327-PARK.