“We averaged four or five yesterday,” Captain Bobby Martin said. “To me that’s high. The majority are left unlocked.’

The break-ins were reported across the city, he said, ranging from Old Farm Road and Becker Drive to Roanoke Avenue.

There was one larceny of a vehicle in which the keys were left inside.

People have left weapons in their unlocked vehicles as well, Martin said.

In a statement on the break-ins Martin said, “We are asking the citizens to take the time to lock your car doors to prevent items being stolen from your vehicle. There are a few things we can do to prevent your car from being broken into.”

The police department advises the following:

Protect your belongings:

Most car break-ins occur because someone has left something of value in their car. You can prevent most car break-ins by keeping your valuables and belongings out of sight. You want to make your possessions as unnoticeable as possible so thieves will move on. Lock your doors.

Remove all belongings from the car:

Take your valuables with you instead of leaving them in your car when you park. If you don’t give a thief anything to go after they will move on. If your belongings are visible, it dramatically increases the likelihood a thief will target your car.

Electronic items, duffel bags, purses and shopping bags left in your car will definitely draw attention to those who pass by.

Whether you are stepping away from your vehicle for just a minute or parking for several hours doesn’t make a difference. It only takes a thief a couple of seconds to smash a window or enter an unlocked vehicle and grab your belongings.

Hide your valuables well in your car:

If your valuables are not in plain sight, a thief will probably pass your vehicle by.

Put small items in the glove box or console so they are out of sight. Put larger items in the trunk so thieves can’t see them.

Do not leave money in your car:

Do not leave loose change, wallets, or credit cards on the dashboard or in cup holders. Leaving change and wallets in the vehicle is an invitation to a thief. If a thief is able to steal your wallet with your credit cards, not only can there be significant financial repercussions, there can be identity theft involved which can trouble you for years.

Do not leave Weapons in your vehicle:

Do not leave any type of weapon in your vehicle. Thieves are looking for money and guns most of the time when they break into vehicles. If you carry a weapon in your vehicle, take it with you when you go inside for the night.

“These are just a few things we can do to help slow down vehicle break-ins. Remember a thief is looking for an easy target, so let’s lock our doors and keep valuables out of sight,” Martin said in the statement. “If you see someone walking late at night and you believe it’s suspicious then call for an officer to come and check that person out. You never know, you could be preventing a theft.”