Cedar Rapids police warn of rise in thefts from vehicles

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Police Department has seen a more than 30 percent increase in thefts from vehicles since the beginning of August, according to a news release.

In the first two weeks of July, the department took 36 reports of items being stolen from vehicles in the area. In the first two weeks of August, that number jumped to 47, the release said.

Nearly 80 percent of the victims in August left their cars unsecured. Valuable like purses, iPods and iPads were left lying on or under seats with purse straps visible, according to the release.

“Do not leave items in plain sight in your vehicle,” the release warned. “Place items in the trunk or carry them inside. DO NOT LEAVE THE KEYS TO THE CAR IN THE CAR OR ON THE FLOOR. If the car is unlocked, chances are more favorable that the keys can be found somewhere in the car as well.”

The department also said drivers should always lock their vehicles, even if they step away for only a moment.