UPDATE: More Reports of Thieves Working Over the Work-Out Crowd

Updated at 10:15 p.m.

At least 16 area residents have now reported to West Des Moines police that thieves smashed the windows of their vehicles and then stole items ranging from laptop computers to wallets and handbags containing identifying information.

Seven of those reports came from area fitness centers and gyms, prompting two  –Prairie Life Fitness Center and Walnut Creek YMCA – to post large electronic signs warning members to lock all doors and not leave any valuables in the passenger compartment. The signs were placed under a partnership with West Des Moines Public Works.

"It’s important that when leaving your vehicle unattended in a parking lot for any length of time that you lock the doors and remove any valuables from your vehicle," police spokesman Lt. Jim Barrett said in a statement.

Anyone with information concerning these cases is asked to contact the West Des Moines Police Department at (515) 222-3320 or Polk County Crime Stoppers at (515) 223-1400.

Polk County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) involved in these incidents. Tips may be anonymously reported by calling (515) 223-1400, submitting it online at polkcountycrimestoppers.org or by texting it to “CRIMES” (274637) keyword.

Patch previously reported:

West Des Moines authorities were kept busy Saturday morning taking reports from burglary victims who reported the windows of their vehicles had been shattered while they were working out at local fitness centers and gyms.

In one case, a woman’s credit card had already been used to purchase fuel, according to reports on file at the West Des Moines Police Department. The victims reported that computers and other electronics, designer purses, credit cards and other identification, and other possession had been taken.

According to the West Des Moines blotter, two reports were taken from Prairie Life Fitness Center, 4875 Mills Civic Parkway around 7 a.m.

An hour later, authorities were called to Walnut Creek YMCA, where two people reported car burglaries. In that case, the two burglarized vehicles were of the same make, model and color and were parked side-by-side in the parking lot.

Two reports were also taken from Farrell’s Extreme Body Shaping later in the morning.

Surveillance video from the Prairie Life Fitness Center may offer police some clues as to the identify of the suspect or suspects.

In each of the cases, a window was shattered to gain entry.

LINK UP WITH WEST DES MOINES PATCH: Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Have West Des Moines news delivered to your inbox every morning by signing up for our free newsletter.