It doesn't matter where you live. When you leave expensive items in your car, police say thieves are going to steal them. For weeks, we've reported thefts from cars have increased around the Lynchburg area. That trend has not changed.

Thieves can make off with thousands of dollars in electronics just from one car and they're in and out in just seconds. Police say there's no need for smash-and-grabs, because folks are just leaving their cars unlocked. These days, Major Steve Hutcherson sees more open-and-grabs than smash-and-grabs.

Maj. Steve Hutcherson, Campbell County Sheriff's Office "We have not had a lot where the windows are broken. It appears that when they're going through, they're checking to see what's unlocked, and if the vehicles locked, they're moving on to the next one."

Hutcherson says he seen about a 30-percent increase in thefts from cars in Campbell County since last year. Most are happening in the Altavista and Timberlake areas. Often times GPS devices are the bounty.

Hutcherson - "It's very easy to lay it in the car instead of bringing it in the house."

It's not just Campbell County.

Lt. Jeff Bauserman, Lynchburg Police (web) Department - "We've seen a big increase with the portable GPS systems, iPods, cell phones. These are things people typically leave in their vehicle."

Police say one of the best ways to keep things from being stolen from you car, is just to lock your doors.

Bauserman - "Perhaps it doesn't hit home until they actually become a victim."

Thefts from cars in Lynchburg have increased 61-percent since last year, many of these from unlocked cars. And it doesn't matter where you live in the Hill City, these crimes are happening everywhere. Police say these open-and-grabs don't usually leave much evidence for an investigation.

Bauserman - "It's very difficult when people leave their door unlocked and all someone has to do is open the door."

Here's a good tip too, police say writing down the serial numbers to your electronics will help them to return those devices to you if they are stolen and then recovered.