Thefts, burglaries on the rise in San Luis Obispo, police say

The San Luis Obispo Police Department is warning residents of a recent spike in property crimes and encouraging them to secure their valuables in their homes, cars and businesses.

The department said in a news release Wednesday that the city has experienced an increase in crimes such as thefts from vehicles, residential and commercial burglary, and thefts of cars and bicycles.

In January, the department reported there were more than 400 thefts in the city between Dec. 1 and Jan. 28. A majority of those involved unlocked vehicles or homes, police said.

The department suggests residents lock their vehicle, house and home windows; never leave keys in or around a vehicle or house; park in well-lit areas; put valuables out of sight; document serial numbers on valuables; and lock and store bicycles in a secure place.

Bicycles can be registered with the Police Department or Cal Poly University Police for enrolled students. See slocity.org for details.

This story was originally published March 23, 2016 at 1:16 PM with the headline "Thefts, burglaries on the rise in San Luis Obispo, police say."