After seeing an increase in vehicle break-ins by a national group targeting women, state police are encouraging residents to download a free app to report suspicious behavior.

Police said the thieves steal identifications and checkbooks from unattended vehicles then disguise themselves as their victim to utilize the stolen tools to withdraw money. Police encourage using the “See Something, Say Something” app to report suspicious activity, including photos, to state police or email information to tips@pa.gov.

Police said suspicious activity may include individuals walking a parking lot looking in windows or trying door handles, driving around parking lots at slow speeds for extended periods, and people on bicycles or scooters looking in vehicles.

Police said the thieves sit in parking lots where women will potentially leave their purse and be away from their vehicles for an extended period like outside gyms, shopping centers or movie theaters.

The thieves approach the vehicle on foot and use a hammer or window punch to break the window. Police said multiple thefts are usually committed around the same location before the thief moves on.

To avoid these scams, police recommend keeping car doors locked at all times, parking in well-lit areas, storing valuables out of plain view or installing retractable covers so valuables can’t been seen among other methods. Police said anything stolen should be reported to law enforcement and the necessary financial providers.