A string of car burglaries and thefts on the San Mateo County coast has prompted the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office to issue a warning to residents and visitors.

Items including iPods, cell phones, laptop computers, wallets, purses and credit cards have been stolen in the burglaries, which have occurred both in beach parking lots and turnouts, and in residential areas, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

Several vehicles have also been stolen recently from coastal communities, according to sheriff's deputies.

Stolen credit cards have typically been used very quickly at local gas stations and department stores to buy expensive items, officials said.

The thefts are not all related and are probably the work of several different individuals, officials said. But residents are encouraged to be alert for suspicious activity and contact the Sheriff's Office -- (650) 363-4915 -- with any information on these crimes.

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