PINEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- Pineville Police are warning residents about a recent spike in car break-ins, and the vast majority could have been easily prevented.

According to the department, 98% of the cars targeted this month were left unlocked. In the remaining cases, valuables like purses, phones, and electronics were left in plain sight, making them easy targets for thieves, they said.

Officials are urging everyone in the community to take simple steps to protect themselves by locking their doors and removing/hiding valuables.

"Please do your part, lock your doors, and remove your valuables. A simple step can prevent you from becoming a target!" Pineville Police said.

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