Though the summer heat might tempt some people to leave their vehicles running with the air conditioning on while they make a quick run inside a business, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is urging against doing that.

The ECSO and other local law enforcement agencies have seen a recent spike in reports in Effingham and Chatham counties of items being taken from vehicles in daycare center parking lots.

The crimes have occurred after people left their cars unlocked and running while they dropped off or picked up their children, according to ECSO spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor.

“It’s a crime of opportunity,” he said. “Take the time to turn off your car and lock your doors, and keep valuables out of sight.”

The suspects have been described as a black man and white woman traveling in a gray Chevrolet Impala. The pair stakes out daycare centers and waits for cars to be left unattended, according to investigators.

“They’re watching and waiting for people to leave their car running and go inside,” Ehsanipoor said. “When they see that, they make their move.”

Though the suspects have so far only taken valuables from cars, Ehsanipoor cautioned, “You never know, they may take the car as well.”

Anyone with any information about the crimes is asked to contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 754-3449.