It's the most widespread crime committed here in Bowling Green according to police.

So as the holiday season approaches, you may want to guard your purses tighter.

Wednesday night, two more Bowling Green women became victims of this crime while their cars were parked in a church parking lot.

Holly Vaughn was at State Street Methodist Church for Wednesday evening activities.

"While our kids were at different things we went out and put some things in our vehicles in the parking lot behind the church and were going to walk around the downtown area just to get in some exercise," recalls Vaughn.

One of the items Vaughn put in her car was her purse.

When Vaughn and her friend returned 30 minutes later, the windows on both of their cars were shattered and their purses were gone.

"Theft from vehicles is actually a crime we see here in bowling green year-round," says BGPD Officer Barry Pruitt.

Vaughn feels that even though her purse was hidden under the floorboard of her seat, she was being targeted.

"We feel like someone actually saw us go out to the car and out those in at the same time and leave."

"We've arrested people in the past that what they did is they just went around looking to break into cars," notes Officer Pruitt.

In this case, Vaughn and her friend was lucky.

Most of their stuff was recovered quickly after the theft.

"Found billfolds along different places around State Street, ultimately all the purses and contents were in a box behind the PVA building. Ultimately cash was the only thing taken," says Vaughn.

Officer Pruitt says that's not uncommon in these situations.

Yet he warns that with the holiday season coming, the number of purse thefts will likely rise.

Recently there's been at least a handful of these crimes committed.

Vaughn says she's thankful that it didn't turn out any worse than it did.

"I probably won't leave my purse in the car anymore," she says with a laugh.

Officer Pruitt warns not to leave purses or other valuables in your car... even if they are covered up.

He also says hiding items in your trunk isn't fail-safe either because you never know who's watching.