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ALBANY, GA -- Albany police say car break-ins are a major problem. As of the beginning of last month Albany Police have worked over 300 car break-ins and about 60 cases where cars were stolen.

That’s why they’re reaching out to give you some tips, so you don't become a victim. Thursday we teamed up with detectives for a random case study.

It's not often you see the police doing the break-ins. But Thursday they walked through a strip mall, out to prove a point. They say many people make their vehicles sitting ducks for thieves looking to cash in.

“They leave purses, cell phones, iPods. They leave handguns in their vehicles,” said Detective Calandra Bell.

“We were looking to see if the citizens of Albany, or the citizens that are coming out and parking their vehicles, are securing their vehicles, securing their personal items, their valuable items like they are trying to suggest, trying to prevent them from being victims,” said Detective Schemika Foster.

And car, after car officers found mistakes people make every day that attract thieves, even people leaving checks exposed in their front seats.

“That's a prime example. They could steal that and do forgeries,” said Detective Foster.

Others left their windows down or valuable items in plain view. On truck had the keys left on the dash board.

“If they feel they can get the vehicle without being seen or to get it out quickly they will take the whole vehicle. If not then they will take the items that they can snatch and walk away with,” said Det. Foster.