Some thieves have taken their trade to a new low.

Police say the culprits are breaking into cars parked near sliding hills in St. John's.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary reports a number of recent thefts from vehicles in the area of Nagles Hill and Pippy Park. They said car windows have been broken, with purses, backpacks and other valuables taken from vehicles.

Police are looking for a tan-coloured van they believe may have been involved in the break-ins that have occurred late in the day, between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.