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RV battery thieves have their sights set on Boise. Police want to warn owners that crooks are out there. People with recreational vehicles know it's a constant challenge to keep things locked up. Last weekend some thieves were canvassing Boise for batteries. And by the time they were done more than a dozen RV’s were hit.

“If you can get some chain link put on here, put a chain and a lock on here, so that top doesn’t come off. I had one, I just didn't have it on,” said Peter Petroff, of Boise.

Peter Petroff sure wishes he had. He was one of the victims last weekend that was hit by thieves stealing RV batteries.

“I woke up Saturday morning to hang out with some friends, and noticed the lid had been flipped off my battery box and they were missing,’ said Petroff.

Police say it's not a new crime, but it does show someone is targeting the valley.
“What officers are finding is these RV's are parked in front of somebody's house, a place someone can drive by and see there's an RV parked there,” said Lynn Hightower, Spokesperson for the Boise Police Department.
RV's left outside are easy targets. In fact, thieves even tried to swipe his neighbor’s batteries, but for some reason failed. In newer and fancier recreational vehicles, you’ll find the battery secured inside.
Police say put them out of sight.
“Take the batteries out and put them on a charger in the garage or some place that's secured, so, if somebody takes a look at your battery, it just isn't there,” said Hightower.
Even though these crooks can only get about 25 bucks for the stolen batteries, they're pretty easy to exchange at recycling yards and parts stores.
Police say this week it's RV batteries, but next it could be copper or motorcycles. Their advice also applies to other valuables some of us leave outside: get it out of sight or in your garage.