RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Rapid City Police have had a slew of calls relating to car break-ins recently, many coming without major damage to cars simply left unlocked.

RCPD Media and Community Relations officer Brendyn Medina said he sees multiple reports a week regarding this exact issue.

Medina said there is a single factor tying all of the break in cases together.

The issue occurs all over town and Medina shared advice to avoid becoming a victim – take the time to lock your car.

Unlocked cars are frequently targeted for valuables, so keeping items like phones, wallets, firearms, and computers inside can help your car appear less worth the risk to a potential burglar.