Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Here's the simple fact: There continues to be a rise in car thefts and break-ins, especially in the fourth quarter.
And, it not just a Buffalo and Erie County thing.
It is a national trend.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services reports that the number of car thefts has risen by more than 300% since 2019.
"It really is a crime of opportunity," says Lt. Jeremy Lehning with the Erie County Sheriff's Department.
And, it is not an exclusive urban or suburban crime, Lehning added.
"We patrol all over (Erie County) and car thefts and break-ins happen all over the place," Lehning said.
That's where common sense should come into play, said Cheektowaga Police Capt. Jeff Schmidt.
Schmidt said people should just follow the basics like locking you car and hiding your valuables - even if it is just for a short stop.
"We have a motto -- to stop car thefts, go by the 'take it and lock it' system," Schmidt said.
Car thefts are not limited to mall parking lots or other high profile locations. Thefts hit neighborhoods just as frequently, Schmidt said.
"They go up and down a block looking for unlocked cars," Schmidt said.
The bottom line, both Schmidt and Lehning said, is be smart.