Halifax Regional Police say there's been a drastic spike in thefts from cars throughout the city in recent weeks

Halifax Regional Police say there's been a drastic spike in thefts from cars throughout the city in recent weeks.

Over 40 thefts have been reported to police, most of which are targeting unlocked vehicles.

"These are crimes of opportunity," says HRP public information officer Cst. John MacLeod. "We just really want to remind folks to not leave valuables within their vehicle."

In cases where cars were locked, thieves have broken into the vehicle.

"It varies throughout the incidents, depending what it is, but very often if the doors are locked and there is valuables that are visible, then people are smashing out those windows and taking them from the vehicle," adds Cst. MacLeod.

MacLeod says the thefts haven't occurred in one specific area, and encourages all HRM residents to be vigilant.

"We've been finding that they do occur in groupings, but really they do occur throughout the city, so it's good advice for you no matter where you are," he says.

Although the HRP doesn't have number on how frequent these thefts typically take place, MacLeod says it's definitely spiked this month.

"It's certainly above what we would normally see statistically," he says.

The police are currently unsure whether any of the thefts are connected, and have not made any arrests to date.

"At this point we're unable to speculate on whether or not they are linked," MacLeod explains. "But we certainly are investigating all the incidents."

MacLeod encourages anyone who notices suspicious activity to call police.

"If you see someone who is looking around your vehicles or acting suspicious around them, we would certainly encourage folks to call 911 so we can come and look into it," he tells NEWS 95.7.

Anyone who has had their vehicle broken into is also encouraged to report it to HRP by calling 902-490-5020.