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Thieves Strike In Middle Of The Day, Rack Up $13,000 On 6 Credit Cards

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (CBS4) - The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help after a series of brazen crimes. In each case the crooks entered through open garages or simply opened unlocked car doors. Credit cards, wallets and skis are just a few of the items the thieves have taken.

On Oct. 24 Bill Carlson and his wife became victims.

"They got in, got out and knew what they were doing," Carlson said.

Carlson is still stunned after being targeted by two credit card thieves.

"I'd love them to get caught. It's very violating and frustrating, and they are running amok," he told CBS4's Tom Mustin.

The Dougco Sheriff's Office says two women entered the open garage of Carlson's Castle Rock home.

"It was the middle of the day, a gorgeous Saturday afternoon," said Carlson.

His wife had left her car unlocked with her purse inside. The Carlson's and their daughter were inside the home.

"We were 30 feet away when they walked in," Carlson said.

The bandits opened the purse, stole the wallet filled with several credit cards and left the purse in the car. Within 2 1/2 hours:

"They had charged, using six different cards, about $13,000," said Carlson.

He and his wife first learned about the thefts when they received a call from one of their credit card companies.

"The first charge was at 2:32 p.m. at Target in Castle Rock. They proceeded in the next 2 1/2 hours to go to three other Target stores," said Carlson.

Those locations were in Centennial, Greenwood Village and Lone Tree. The women were captured on surveillance cameras inside the stores.

There have been dozens of similar crimes in Douglas County. Deputy Chad Teller says it's too early to say if the women are connected to other cases, but it's very possible. Teller says a few common sense moves can send the crooks away.

"Just close your garage doors and lock your car doors," he said.

That's a $13,000 lesson Carlson and his wife will never forget.

"Be aware, be alert, and keep your garage door closed," said Carlson.

Additional Information From The Douglas County Sheriff's Office

The sheriff's office is asking for the public's help in finding the suspects. If you have any information, you can call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP. You can remain anonymous, and may be eligible for a $2,000 reward.

Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Follow Tom on Twitter @TomCBS4.

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