Police are reporting a spate of car break-ins in Columbia, Dutchess and Rennselaer counties, according to two press releases published by Bill Williams for WCTW-FM. Greenport Police are warning shoppers to refrain from leaving valuable items in plain sight inside their vehicles. In the cases reported, car windows were broken out and valuables taken. The Red Hook Police Department reported the theft of a purse from a parked car after the window was smashed. According to Red Hook police, similar thefts have occurred at Bard College and in Rhinebeck. The offenders are believed to be using a punch tool to gain entry, and they look for vehicles where contents are visible from the front seats. The thefts are thought to be the work of a group that is known to operate up and down the East Coast. Residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to their local police department.