There has been a 51 per cent increase in break and enters in Calgary in the first seven months of the year, according to police.

That spike is compared with the five-year average.

Police say there has also been an increase in the number of break-ins where residents are asleep inside their unlocked homes.

"Right now, police are seeing the vast majority of break-ins being committed due to unlocked doors and vehicles as well as windows and garages that are being left open," said Sgt. Doug Crippen of the break and enter team in a news release Friday.

"It's not isolated to one neighbourhood, it's happening throughout our city."

Police are encouraging Calgarians to ensure their homes and cars are locked, windows are closed and an exterior light is turned on.

According to the police: