Police say the thieves are not breaking into the vehicles – but are randomly checking to see if the car doors are locked.
If the vehicles are not locked, they steal small, easily portable items of value, including wallets, loose change, and cell phones.
Queens RCMP have some advice for vehicle owners.
“Residents are encouraged to make securing one’s vehicle muscle memory,” police say in a news release.
“Develop a habit of locking your vehicle whenever not in use, even during the day when it’s use if frequent and intermittent. This increases your chances of the vehicle being locked when you retire for the night, even if you didn’t specifically remember to lock it.”
Police also say people should not leave valuables in the vehicle at any time. Wallets, purses, cell phones, money, computers, iPads and the like should never be left unattended in the vehicle.
