Auto burglars target outlet mall

Six different cars were burglarized at an outlet mall in Petaluma on Monday and at an Applebee’s restaurant nearby, police said.

The string of burglaries involved a suspect or suspects smashing car windows to get Christmas presents, a backpack and a laptop, among other items, from cars parked at the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets at 2200 Petaluma Blvd. N. between 5 and 9 p.m., police said.

Five of the burglaries happened at the outlet mall and a sixth happened in the same period at an Applebee’s restaurant nearby at 5301 Old Redwood Highway. Police have not determined if the Applebee’s burglary is related to the others.

Investigators have not found any witnesses or description of the suspects.

Police are reminding shoppers and diners to lock their cars and to not leave valuables inside.