The Peachtree City Police Department is again warning residents to avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles, which can make them a target for thieves.

This time it’s in the wake of increased entering auto cases on southside neighborhoods over the past several weeks, particularly in the Rockspray, Battery Way, The Retreat and several other subdivisions near Braelinn Road, police said.

The thefts are believed to happen during the late evening or early morning hours, police said. Items taken have included GPS systems, laptop computers, purses and other valuables frequently left inside cars, police said.

Citizens are asked to hide valuables and packages from plain view and also be on the lookout for persons who might be monitoring parking lots, loitering or acting in a suspicious manner.

Police are calling this crime prevention program “Stop Crime Ahead of Time.”

In recent months thieves have targeted not just vehicles parked at homes but also those in business areas including gyms.