ST. JOSEPH CO. — Warmer weather means more thieves will be out, looking for their next victims. Car break-ins skyrocket during the spring and summer. But there are steps you can take to make yourself a less likely target.

When you ask people how they should protect their vehicles from theft, they seem to know the right answer.

"If it's something I just purchased out of a store I'll maybe tuck it under the seat [or] leave it in the trunk," said Mickey Standiford.

"Just make sure you lock it and everything is safe," Br. Ed Foken told WSBT.

Still — police see more car break-ins when it's warmer outside.

Rita Dargis said she knows why.

"People are real casual about how they handle their belongings. And it's like 'OK what do you expect, you're setting yourself up!'"

But are you setting yourself up to become the next victim? WSBT hit one local parking lot to see for ourselves. In just 10 minutes we found a camera, a satellite radio receiver, shopping bags, money, cell phones and even prescription bottles. All were in plain sight.

Assistant Mishawaka Police Chief Mike Samp said his department sees a lot of cases start out as larcenies from vehicles, then turn into check fraud and identity theft.

Samp also said car break-ins are a crime of opportunity, meaning there are ways to make your car less appealing to a thief.

Here's his advice:
- Remove all personal property from your vehicle
- Always lock your doors when you're not in your car
- If you have a nice stereo system, write down the serial number
- Never keep your name or address on your key ring
- Don't keep a garage door opener inside your car

Samp also said it doesn't matter where your car is parked. Whether it's in a residential area or a public parking lot, you're still susceptible to a break-in. It just takes a second for a thief break the glass or open the door.

The best thing you can do is park in a well lit, high traffic area. Also, if you can park in your driveway, try to do that instead of on the street.