Sixty-five GPS units have been reported stolen to the Kirkland Police Department since the beginning of the year, according to police. The Kirkland area has experienced an increase in the number of vehicle prowls in the past few months, the department said through a news release late last week.

The most commonly taken items include GPS units, music players (MP3, iPOD), laptop computers, purses and wallets, coin change and other valuables. It takes less than two minutes for thieves to break in and steal valuables from a car, police said.

The department offered the following tips to help protect valuables:

– Lock your vehicle every time you leave, even for a short time;

– Do not leave valuable items in plain view;

-If you place items in the trunk, do it discretely or before you arrive at your destination.

– If you see someone acting suspicious or looking into cars, call 911;

– Write down the serial numbers of your valuables and keep them in a safe location.

For more crime prevention information, contact officer Allan O’Neill at (425) 587-3451 or aoneill@ci.kirkland.wa.us.