Authorities are urging Mainers to be vigilant as they investigate a slew of car burglaries in Maine and New Hampshire.

Shannon Moss with the Maine Department of Public Safety says a large number of vehicle burglaries have been reported in the past two weeks in Oxford, York, and Cumberland counties, as well as New Hampshire’s lake regions.

Burglars have mostly targeted unlocked vehicles and the majority of the crimes happened overnight. In many cases, credit cards, cash and small electronics were stolen.

Police have shared some tips for the public to protect themselves and avoid becoming a target:

• Don’t leave vehicles running unoccupied
• Always lock vehicle doors and take the keys with you when not in use, even in your driveway
• Do don’t leave personal items in plain sight
• Remove valuables including firearms
• At night, always park your vehicle in a well-lit and visible place
• Don’t leave personal information in your car.

If your vehicle is burglarized, you should contact police as soon as possible. Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is also asked to call the police immediately.