In both Campbell and Willow Glen our newspapers have reported either auto-theft rings or individuals stealing vehicles. Part of it is bad luck and bad timing for the owner of the car. Other times it's the driver's behavior that actually aids the thieves, such as leaving the car running when using the ATM machine or going into a convenience store for that quick item. Well, guess what: these thieves are quick, too. That's part of their job description.

Auto theft, however, affects a relatively small number of citizens compared to the mainstay on the police reports--vehicle break-ins.

Every week when I look over the crime incidents, the one that is guaranteed to appear continuously on the report is the smashed or jimmied window or torn convertible top so thieves can steal the items from the car.

People, stop leaving valuable stuff in the car. If you have to leave your CDs, laptop, briefcase, purse, cell phone and God only knows what else in the vehicle, at least lock it in the trunk so it's not a target for thieves. And if you drive a vehicle without a trunk, like an SUV, make sure the items aren't visible. Better yet, take it with you or drop it off beforehand if you plan to be somewhere for a long time.

I admit I use to be fairly cavalier about leaving things in my car when going to the gym or out to dinner, especially if it was right after work. But after reading about all those auto-theft break-ins I wasn't going to continue testing my luck. I figured I was on borrowed time if I kept it up.

I realize, of course, that sometimes it's impossible to carry all that stuff around, especially when your office is sitting in the car. But when I read about people who park their cars on the street or in an open garage or stall and leave their suitcases, computers, phones and purses in their cars overnight I can only wonder. That's like putting out a "for free" sign. Those folks are just asking for trouble.

Maybe I should have more faith in mankind and believe that it's safe to leave these things in the car. But unfortunately that's just not true anymore. There are simply too many expensive portable items that we carry around on a daily basis. And there is a population out there that is counting on it for their livelihood. Either way, removing the temptation saves your car from damage and your bank account from being drained when you have to replace everything.

So next time you park you car, truck or SUV and decide that it's safe on the street, make sure that all the contents are in your hands, not in the hands of some thieves.

Moryt Milo is the editor of The Willow Glen Resident. She can be contacted at 400.200.1051 or mmilo@community-newspapers.com.