BUTLER TWP — Police are warning residents not to leave valuables in their vehicles after a recent rash of car break-ins.

At least 20 vehicles have been entered in the past two to three weeks, said township Police Chief John Hays. Police have no suspects in those unsolved crimes.

Most of the break-ins, he said, have occurred in the Highfield, Meridian and Northwest Manor areas.

Police suspect the crimes are connected but they don’t know if more than one person is involved. Most of the targeted cars were unlocked.

“But some of the vehicles had their windows smashed out,” Hays said.

The crook or crooks are striking late at night or early in the morning.

“They’re looking for whatever they can find,” Hays said.

Some of the stolen items included purses. Police have recovered some of those purses, which had been discarded, minus their wallets and other contents.

Police are urging residents to be on the watch for any suspicious person or activity in their neighborhoods.

Additionally, vehicle owners are reminded to keep their cars locked and their valuables out of sight.

Meanwhile, township police on May 8 arrested two Butler women stemming from other previous vehicle break-ins in the township between April 11 and May 5.