Ed. Note: The following is a news release courtesy of Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station.

There has been a rise in auto thefts in Santa Clarita and residents need to gain the knowledge necessary to help keep the community safe, officials said Monday.

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station has recently noticed an increase in auto thefts within our city. Several of the vehicles that had been reported stolen, however, were left unsecured with the keys in the vehicle.  To avoid being a victim of auto theft, here are a few tips to help keep you safe:

1. Whenever possible, park your car inside a secure garage, and LOCK your vehicle.  Though it may seem redundant to lock your vehicle while it’s in your garage, it is one more level of security to deter a thief.
2. Never store your keys in the vehicle or in your garage.  Bring them inside your home and store them where they are out of view.
3. Never leave your vehicle running while it is unattended, even if you think you will be gone for a short time.
4. Never leave minor children in your vehicle while it’s running in hopes that it will deter a thief.  A thief may not realize children are in the vehicle and take it anyway.
5. Keep a copy of your vehicle registration in your wallet or purse.  In the event that your car were to be stolen, law enforcement officers will need the make, model, year, license plate number, and VIN in order to help locate the vehicle.  All that information is on your registration.

We live in a very safe city.  We can all help keep it that way by not making ourselves easy targets by securing our vehicles, homes, and businesses.  Have a great summer!

If you have witnessed any incidents relating to such thefts, or if you have any further information, please contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station at 661-255-1121.

You can also remain anonymous by calling “LA Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website at LAcrimstoppers.org (reference #01113).

This investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.