GAINESVILLE, TX -- Despite initiatives to prevent car theft, there's been an increase in area burglaries within the last few weeks.

We last reported that July is National Vehicle Theft Protection Month.
Companies like LoJack have created programs to help prevent car burglaries. Still, local authorities have been busy tracking down car thieves recently.

Gainesville Police Department say they've seen an increase in car thefts this month and the majority of them involve unlocked parked cars. Police are asking for your help to stop these thieves from breaking into vehicles.

To prevent these burglaries, Belva McClinton of Gainesville P.D. advises us to hide or remove valuables like navigation systems, Ipods, purses, wallets and phones and always lock car doors.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol officer Michael Green reminds us this is also a preventable crime in Oklahoma too. If you see a theft in progress, Green says to dial 911 or *55 in Oklahoma and follow a few simple guidelines when calling.

"Make sure you give your name, make sure you give your return phone number, make sure you give a good location and make sure you give a good description of the vehicle and what they did," said Green.

Gainesville Police Department asks for any information on thieves committing these burglaries.

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
GAINESVILLE P.D. DIRECT: (940) 668-7777
GAINESVILLE P.D. ONLINE: FACEBOOK.COM/GTPOLICE
ANONYMOUS CRIME TIPS HOTLINE: (940) 612-0000
OUTSIDE GAINESVILLE: CALL 911
OR DIAL *55 IN OKLAHOMA