With a series of car break-ins and thefts recently reported in Albert Lea, the Albert Lea Police Department is urging city residents to take several simple precautions to protect themselves against this crime.

The break-ins within the last week have been scattered all over town.

On Wednesday, for example, four car break-ins were reported — one on Sixth Street, one on Third Street and two on Frank Hall Drive.

Albert Lea Police Lt. Jeff Strom said people should not leave their cars unlocked, and they should not leave valuables in plain view in their automobiles.

Any valuables should be either taken out or kept out of sight in the trunk.

Strom said people should remove the faceplates from stereos and record the serial numbers for them. That way if the stereo is taken, it could be identified by the serial number.

He said it is important to do this with bikes as well, so people can have some kind of identification source for their item.

People should also park in a well-lit area, and they can purchase a car alarm if they choose, he added. If neighbors see anything suspicious — like someone walking around their neighborhood at 2 or 3 a.m. or someone lingering around vehicles — they should call the police.

Strom said he would much rather catch the people breaking into a car than see more damage and property loss.