The windshield and window of at least two vehicles were smashed and belongings stolen by a vandal during last night’s Qatar Total Open finals at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, Qatar Tribune reports. 

The victims, who reported the theft of an iPad, iPhone charger, a company camera worth $16,500 (QR60,000) and a passport to the police, told the newspaper that they discovered that their cars had been broken into after the final match, around 9:30pm. 

It quotes one victim, named Erwin, as saying the valuables were clearly seen from the car’s windows. He added:

“I have been residing here in Doha for the last five years and this is my first experience of a burglary. This incident, however, should serve as a warning to all those who leave valuables inside the car at a parking lot without suspecting any untoward incident. 

At the end of the day it is our responsibility to be cautious and guard against such incidents,” he said.

Reports of similar incidents have been increasing in recent months. In January, some Qatar Motor Show-goers windows reported that their belongings had been taken from theirs car in the Doha Exhibition Center parking lot.

Qatar has seen a six-fold increase in crime over the past decade, and officials have long warned residents not to leave valuables in cars or to leave their vehicles running. 

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Credit: Photo courtesy of Qatar Tribune