TOWN OF NEWBURGH – The Town of Newburgh has seen a dramatic rise in thefts from motor vehicles in the past several months, the town police department reported Monday.

The vehicles are usually parked in front of the victims’ homes on the roadway or in their driveway. In Most cases, they are not locked and the vehicle alarms are not set.

The thieves have been stealing portable DVD players, laptop computers, GPS systems and any other items of value.

The thefts have occurred throughout the town, but are focused in several areas.

The Community Police Unit of the department is recommending several strategies to protect your vehicle and your property:

• Don’t leave any expensive items in your car overnight, electronic or otherwise;
• Attempt to park your vehicle in a well lighted area; motion lights are the best options;
• Do not leave anything in plain sight;
• Lock your vehicle