Auto burglary reports in Coeur d'Alene have nearly doubled since last year, and vehicle thefts are on the rise.

In April 2011 there were 39 reports of thieves entering vehicles in Coeur d'Alene.

Since the first of this month, 73 auto burglaries have been reported.

The vehicles targeted have been left unlocked, and in some of the reported cases, the vehicle has been entered but nothing was taken.

Wallets and electronic equipment have been taken from some of the vehicles.

Most of the recent auto burglaries have taken place in the residential areas surrounding Lake City High School on Ramsey Road and in the Coeur d'Alene Place neighborhood.

Vehicle thefts are also on the increase in Coeur d'Alene, and police detectives suspect there may be a connection to the auto burglaries.

The stolen vehicles are possibly being used as transportation by the auto burglars.

The cars are being found later abandoned in a neighborhood.

Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables from them when they are parked and left unattended.

The police department is also urging people to remove the keys from their vehicles and keep their garage doors closed when they are not at home.

Residents interested in starting a block watch group in their neighborhood should contact Coeur d'Alene Police Sgt. Christie Wood at (208)769-2320.

Detectives are following several leads as to who might be responsible for these burglaries.

Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call Coeur d’Alene Police at (208) 769-2320.