WASHINGTON — Crooks committing crimes of opportunity have the Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office reminding people to lock car doors and not leave valuables visible in vehicles.

Three times in recent weeks, items have been stolen from cars parked outside schools and a day care facility in Ashburn.

“In some of the cases the suspects quickly entered the victim’s vehicle while they picked up their children inside,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Two thefts occurred on Sept. 20 at a preschool on Research Place in Ashburn between 5:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Sept. 11, there was a similar theft outside a middle school on Gloucester Parkway.

The sheriff’s office said the suspects damaged windows to enter the vehicles, but locking car doors still is a recommended deterrent. You also are encouraged not to leave in vehicles bank checks or documents related to your identity.

Anyone observing suspicious activity is asked to call the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office 703-777-1021.