Sure, leaving that car window cracked will keep things cool and comfy inside.

And it makes the bag on the front seat that much more inviting.

Law enforcement is reporting a spike in auto burglaries in some parts of Kootenai County this summer, and car owners are making it easy, said Sgt. Christie Wood with the Coeur d'Alene Police Department.

"People enjoying all the outdoor activities don't often lock up their belongings or roll up their windows because the weather's hot," Wood said. "If people leave a window cracked, it's very easy to push a window down."

The Coeur d'Alene police reported 71 auto burglaries in June, a surge compared to the rest of the year, when burglaries totaled between 19 and 35 a month.

The number is also up from last year, when there were 50 auto burglaries in June.

There have been 27 in the city so far this July, Wood added.

"In the crime mapping we've done, they're all over the city," she said.

The county sheriff's department has also seen about a 7 percent rise in auto burglaries this summer from last year, said Lt. Stuart Miller.

There have been 44 burglaries from June 1 to date, he said, just above the 30 reported in that time last year.

"It's mostly typically been smash and grab types, or going through unlocked doors," Miller said. "We've had several of them where wallets are sitting on top of the dashboard, or hand guns in the center console."

There have been several burglaries in residential areas in Hayden, he said, as well as at Higgens Point, the Fourth of the July Pass and various trail heads. Four occurred on Monday night in the Fernan Saddle area, he said.

"Most of the places are where people park to take a short walk or pictures," he said.

Sharp rises in burglary occur at random throughout the year, Wood said. Usually a group of burglars is to blame, comprised of criminals who have been convicted of doing the same before.

"They've been to prison, and they're back out in the community, we catch them again and it's not a surprise to us," Wood said. "We could go six months without auto burglaries, and all of a sudden there's a spike and it generally leads back to someone known to law enforcement."

The rash is also likely related to the season, she said, as recreators tend to be lax in guarding their things when they head to outdoor fun.

"There are more people out and about, there are more cars available in the city with our visitors here," she said.

Miller said he isn't surprised to see more incidents this year.

"People in this kind of an economy, they don't have a job, or if they do, it doesn't pay well," he said. "They're looking for other means for financial (gain)."

Prevention comes down to common sense.

Law enforcement suggest keeping valuables like purses, shopping bags, keys and iPods out of sight or in the trunk. Folks should park their cars in visible, crowded and well-lit areas to deter potential burglars.

"I tell that to people all the time, 'If you have something expensive, don't leave it out for people to look at,'" Miller said.

Naturally, doors should be locked and windows rolled up after parking. Leaving keys in the ignition or on the dash aren't great ideas.

Post Falls has not seen a spike in auto burglaries, according a police spokesperson. The Rathdrum police reported only two vehicle burglaries in June, and one this month.

Auto burglary is a felony.

Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest is offering a cash reward for information that could help lead to the arrest of the burglary suspects.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 667-2111, toll free at (866) 667-2111. Callers don't have to use their own name to be eligible for a reward.

Miller said he could understand why folks are so trusting with the valuables in their cars.

"Unfortunately I remember years ago it was you could get away with not locking your doors," he said. "But that's not the area we live in anymore."