Police are asking residents in Cape Elizabeth to be extra vigilant when it comes to locking their cars.

A recent string of car burglaries in the Cape Shore area – Mitchell Road, Shore Road and other roads near the South Portland line – has resulted in the theft of thousands of dollars in valuables such as iPods, laptops, cash and even wallets left in unlocked cars, said Capt. Brent Sinclair.

“We had a rash of them earlier this year and at about this time last year,” said Sinclair.

Besides car break-ins for cash or items to resell, said Sinclair, home invasions are also of concern.

“It seems like that around Christmas time we get more home invasions and motor vehicle burglaries,” said Sinclair.

Many of the burgled cars were unlocked in driveways, he added. Police are recommending that all Cape Elizabeth residents lock their cars and make sure no valuables are left inside. Keeping homes well lit or installing a motion detector are other ways to make sure your house remains safe.

Police have no suspects in the recent outbreak of burglaries, and urge anyone who sees something suspicious to call the non-emergency line at 767-3224. Police will also be conducting nightly patrols in the problem areas.