Source: LASD - Lomita Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff (2-5-15)
One of the most common crimes that we experience in our patrol area is theft from unlocked vehicles. It is with this in mind that we say: Hide it, lock it, or lose it.
Thieves love the quick, easy score. Nothing is easier than walking to an unlocked car, opening the door, and rummaging through the contents of the vehicle. Unlocked doors mean deactivated alarm systems, which means the thieves have a low risk of alerting anyone to their presence.
Next up on their list are vehicles with valuables in plain sight. The only thing standing between and thief and your purse/electronics/valuable items left out in the open is a piece of safety glass. Someone can break your car window, snatch your belongings, and run off in less time than it takes to read this sentence. So if you leave something in your car, hide it from plain view to make your vehicle a less tempting target. We also recommend hiding charging cables, as they could be an indicator to thieves that you have left an electronic device charging in your car.
The best advice of all though, is never leave anything in your car that you don't have to. If it doesn't pertain to the operation of a motor vehicle, it probably doesn't have to stay in your car.
And of course, if you ever witness anyone trying to open several cars either on the street or in a parking lot, immediately call 9-1-1.