ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - Royal Oak police are sending out a warning to residents following a series of thefts from vehicles over the past week.

According to Lt. Al Carter, these break-ins have been happening outside homes in the city's residential neighborhoods.

Carter told WWJ Newsradio 950's Sandra McNeill that many people get complacent and leave their parked vehicles unlocked, with visible items — even their car keys — inside.

And while many of these crimes occur at night, they can happen anytime an opportunity presents itself.

"These thieves look for easy targets," Carter said. "So they'll go down in a vehicle and walk through driveways and down the sidewalk looking in vehicles to see if any valuables could be left. And, unfortunately, some people feel comfortable and they'll leave their laptops, purses, sometimes even currency with money in the coffee cup in the center console."

With all this mind, police are urging visitors and residents to be proactive; and from neighbors to watch out for each other, too.

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• Always lock your vehicle and keep the windows closed.

• Park in the garage or a well-lit area. Avoid parking near walls, fences or foliage; thieves like to work in concealment.

• Avoid leaving any valuables in your car. Items such as, loose currency, laptop computers, cell phones, purses, or other items of value are very tempting for thieves.

• Hide any valuables you must leave in your car, preferably in the trunk, cargo area or under the seats.

• Do not leave the keys in the ignition or keep the key fob inside the vehicle.

• Install a car alarm if possible and ensure it is activated.

One more tip: If you're in the habit of keeping paperwork, such as your car title, in your vehicle — stop it.

"Because once they have that title in their hands, even if they were to steal your vehicle, and were to be stopped, they could show they have the title and they're the new owner of that stolen vehicle, so to speak," Carter said.

Anyone who sees something or someone suspicious is urged to call the police immediately. If you believe you’ve been a victim of a larceny from your vehicle in Royal Oak, reported Royal Oak Police at 248-246-3500.