ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — It's a trend we've seen all over the St. Louis area.
And in St. Louis County, police said the number of car thefts and break-ins is alarming.
Last year at this time, 800 car thefts were reported. This year, the number is 1,150. That's a 36% increase.
We're told it's happening all over the county, but it's a big problem in west county specifically and south.
Tracy Panus with the St. Louis County Police Department said they're seeing a common trend fuel the fire. Many are leaving key fobs in their cars.
"If thieves break into that car and find it, all they have to hit the button and see where it belongs and they steal the car," Panus said. "It's a good idea to lock, just don't leave valuables in plain sight."
Panus said homeowners need to hit the brakes and pay attention.
"I think it’s distraction more than anything. Everybody has a million things on their plate but, unfortunately, that’s a side effect. If you leave your key fob in your car and you've got it parked in your driveway, what else is in your car? Your garage door opener. So now the bad guy has access to your house," Panus said.
Christine Rivera has lived in her Fenton home, since 2012.
"I think we got too comfortable leaving doors unlocked. You just never think it's going to happen," Rivera said.
For the first time in all these years, she's seen the spike in her own neighborhood.
"Their cars are getting broken into, one car was stolen," she said.
And one night in August, when thieves were stealing from cars, she and her family became victims. Their garage door was unlocked. All of her husband's tools were stolen. Her son also noticed his golf bag was gone.
"That belonged to his deceased uncle who passed away in 2007, so it's just priceless. You feel violated and you feel helpless," Rivera said.
That's why St. Louis County PD is urging everyone to think twice.
Police believe most of these thieves are armed and traveling in groups.
If you happen to see any strange activity outside, do not approach them, call police immediately.
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