Cops: Spate of car break-ins in Southampton

Southampton Town police are reminding residents to avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in their vehicles following several break-ins across the town during the past three weeks.

About 35 to 40 vehicles have been broken into, from East Quogue to Southampton, said Sgt. Lisa Costa.

"Residents should take certain care and precautions in safeguarding their valuables," the department cautioned in a news release.

"Make it part of your daily routine to remove valuable items from your car when it is unattended. Items such as pocketbooks, cellphones, laptops and electronics make an easy target and provide opportunity to those looking for it."

Most of the break-ins happened overnight, but Costa said it is best for owners to lock their cars at all times, even if just running into a store for a few minutes.