"We do see an increase in burglaries around the holidays," said San Jose police Sgt. Richard Fong.

A thief smashed a Settle Avenue resident's car's side window in early October. A brand-new subwoofer and other stereo equipment were stolen, totaling a $3,000 loss. The resident, who asked not to be named, said she heard a sound at 3 a.m. and looked out the front window, but didn't notice the windows were broken because of dim street lighting.

Another message on the neighborhood association's elist said a purse was stolen from an unlocked car on Lincoln Court on Dec. 9. The victim said she was an "avid car-locker," but she forgot on this particular night. A thief took her purse, which contained credit cards, an ATM card, Visa check card and Palm Pilot and made purchases at a 7-Eleven, bought gas and took cash from the victim's account at Washington Mutual. The victim said it was the second car burglary on Lincoln Court in December.

On Dec. 11, a car parked at the corner of Willow Street and Merle Avenue was robbed when a purse was left visible. The car window was broken at night and the purse was taken.

San Jose police press information Officer Gina Tepoorten said police often take reports after a burglary, especially if there is an eyewitness. Without an eyewitness, the most police can do is dust for fingerprints inside and outside the vehicle if the weather allows and check fingerprints in a database.

The best defense is to leave doors locked, park in well-lit areas and put valuables—even shopping bags—in the trunk, Tepoorten said.

For some residents, that advice isn't enough. When cars on David Sarasua's street, Breen Court, were being robbed every month four years ago, he decided to install a security camera and lights for his driveway. Although the security's system computer and camera cost more than $2,000, he said he was finally able to deter the burglars.

"It's a question of being a victim or trying to do something about it," Sarasua said.