(Vehicle break-in image via Shutterstock)

Winnipeg police want to make sure motorists never leave their garage door remotes in their vehicles.

A recent spike in vehicle break-ins and thefts prompted the warning. They say one of the most common items stolen from a vehicle is the garage door remote, particularly from vehicles parked on personal driveways.

Break-in prevention tips:

1. Keep your car visible
Avoid having your vehicle concealed by larger vehicles, fences or foliage; thieves like to work in private.

2. Don’t make it easy
Keep windows and sunroofs closed and doors locked. Many thefts from vehicles are as a result of unlocked vehicles.

3. Vehicle alarm?
Don’t forget to activate it.

4. Hide your valuables
Many smash-and-grab thieves act on impulse. So keep your stuff out of sight — either with you or in a locked trunk. Don’t count on the glove box; thieves know to look there, and they’re easy to break into.