**Columbus Hotel Parking Lots Targeted in String of Vehicle Break-Ins**
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Guests at several Columbus-area hotels woke up Sunday morning to find their vehicles vandalized, with windows smashed and belongings scattered. According to a dispatcher from the city’s public safety department, at least six hotel parking lots were hit in the spree.
Officers from the Columbus Division of Police responded to numerous reports of vehicle break-ins across the city’s north and northeast sides. The first call came in just after 6:30 a.m. from the Courtyard by Marriott near John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
### Locations Affected by Break-Ins:
– **Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Airport on Airport Drive**
Police reported more than 20 vehicles were broken into at this location.
– **Fairfield Inn on Olentangy River Road**
A photographer on the scene observed at least one truck with its windows shattered.
– **Fairfield Inn on Worthington Road**
Police responded to reports of at least two vehicles broken into around 8 a.m.
– **Four Points Columbus on Pulsar Place**
Officers confirmed two vehicles were targeted here after receiving a call at 8:55 a.m.
– **Hampton Inn & Suites on Pulsar Place**
A break-in was reported at 9:50 a.m., though the number of vehicles affected remains unclear.
– **Courtyard Columbus Easton on Morse Crossing**
Five vehicles were broken into at this location, with police arriving at 9:59 a.m.
Additionally, there were reports of break-ins at the Residence Inn on Lyra Drive in Polaris. Police are investigating these incidents, and further details are pending.
### Suspects and Investigation
A dispatcher informed 10TV that the suspects might be using a stolen vehicle. No further information about the suspects has been released.
### Impact on Veterans of Foreign Wars Conference
The break-ins coincided with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Mid-Winter Conference, held at the Marriott near the airport. Some attendees reported their vehicles were also targeted during last year’s event.
Tina Clifford, an East Liverpool resident attending the conference, shared her frustration after her vehicle was broken into. “I now have to drive nearly three hours home with a broken window,” Clifford said. She added, “They don’t know what it’s like to put your life on the line for your country or to see something you worked hard for destroyed.”
Richard Curry, the Department of Ohio VFW quartermaster adjutant, expressed his disappointment. “The people who did this have no morals or character,” Curry said. “It’s a disgrace, especially to those who served their country.”
### Ongoing Investigation
This is a developing story, and more details will be provided as they become available. Police are continuing their investigation into the incidents.
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*Stay tuned for updates as authorities work to identify the suspects and address this series of crimes.*
Source: 10tv.com