News 12 at 6 o'clock, July 9, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---Rory Williamson likes to spend her days with her daughter at the Odell Weeks Park. While watching her daughter play; she feels safe on the way back to the car because she knows she locked the door.

"I don't always hide all my stuff, I don't really think about it. My purse is often times sitting on the front seat or things like that," said Rory.

The latest break-ins happened at the Odell Weeks Park and the Gold's Gym. Three of the five incident reports show the victims' cars were left unlocked.

Public Safety has even tried decoys to catch the crooks in action.

"We've used decoys in the past. They were unlocked vehicles with valuables in plain sight, but it's hit or miss," said Sergeant Mahoney.

When getting out of your car, locking the car and shutting the door isn't the only thing you should worry about, its what you're leaving behind.
Police say thieves target cars where people are going to be for extended periods of time, like at your local grocery store, the park and even at the shopping center. One owner in the shopping center parking lot even left the windows down in their car while they shopped.

Sergeant Mahoney says it makes them a target when they leave keys, cell phones, and GPS tracking systems out."

For Rory that means she'll be locking the door, but not before she hides the valuables.

"I'm definitely going to think about it a lot more than I did before. I'm going to try and hide them so they're not in plain view," said Rory.

Aiken Public Safety does not have any suspects. They are urging everyone to hide all belongings and lock the doors on your vehicles even if you're only leaving it for a moment.

Even though it is hot outside, remember to roll up your windows.