By Jason C. Mattox

Auto burglars have hit Batesville for the second straight weekend, according to police incident reports reviewed by The Panolian.

A total of 12 automobile burglaries, all at area hotels, were reported last Friday and Saturday, August 21 and 22.

Nine of the burglaries were reported Friday – six at Holiday Inn, two at Baymont Inns and Suites, and one at Hampton Inn.

“At this point, we do not have any suspects, but we do have surveillance video from two hotels,” said BPD Detective Paul Shivers. 

Shivers did not disclose which hotels were shown on the survelliance film nor did he describe what the footage showed.

Police reports indicate that electronics were a popular target during the burglaries as items reported missing included, IPods, GPS navigation systems, digital cameras, laptops and a .40 caliber handgun, along with cash and credit cards.

The stolen items totaled approximately $6,200.

After the Friday thievery, auto burglars hit three more vehicles at Hampton Inn Saturday morning.

Two car owners questioned Saturday morning told Shivers they did not notice any items missing from their vehicles.

Shivers told The Panolian Monday afternoon it was apparent the burglars targeted vehicles with luggage and items of value that were not properly concealed.

He added that all owners reported their vehicles were locked at the time of the break-ins.

“Anytime you are traveling or shopping, we urge you to put your valuables in the trunk and never leave them out in plain sight,” he said.

The owners of a 2004 Lincoln Navigator were victims Saturday. She had a Ralph Lauren bag and a Coach bag stolen, along with a charger for an Iphone.

The total estimated loss is $600.

Anyone with information about the arrests is asked to contact the Batesville Police Department at 563-5653.