Easy ways to prevent vehicle break-ins this Labor Day weekend in Arizona

PHOENIX - Vehicle thefts and break-ins can be expensive for car owners, but they're also easy to prevent, police say.

It may sound like common sense, but investigators tell ABC15 the little things many drivers do in the name of convenience, can lead to trouble.

"It's hot and many people leave their keys in the car, with the car running when they pull up to the Circle K or the Starbucks," said Sgt. Steve Wamsley of the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force.

He says the opportunity is too good for many thieves to pass up. "It's an open invitation for someone to take your vehicle."

Even if a thief isn't brave enough to steal a car, they may be willing to take items from it.

Prime targets include CDs, media players and navigation units.

Even if you hide the items, crooks may only need evidence of those items to make a move.

Suction cups mounted to the window or charging cables strung across the center console can be motivation for fast-fingered opportunists.

There are measures to take that can reduce the risk of a vehicle theft or break-in.

It starts with visual deterrence.

Steering wheel bars can be seen from the outside of the vehicle, and prevent the wheel from turning if the car is stolen.

"I like the club," explained Wamsley. "When a thief comes by and sees they club, they move on to another vehicle because it's too difficult."

Vehicle identification numbers, or VINs, can be etched into car windows, putting a wrench in any attempts to alter the VIN plate under the windshield.

One of the easiest measures drivers can take to aid investigators during a case is to take pictures of their vehicles, license plates and unique identifiers on their vehicles like decals, accessories and damage.

"Many times, when a vehicle is stolen, the officer will ask the owner for their license place number," said Wamsley. "They don't remember."

Wamsley says snapping the pictures on your cell phone can go a long way in helping track down your vehicle should it be stolen.

"The longer it takes to get that number, the harder is it for us to track down the vehicle," Wamsley said.

For more information on vehicle crimes, visit the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority.