Police have urged people soaking up the summer sunshine to be alert and prevent opportunistic crime.
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Illawarra residents and visitors have been encouraged to limit the likelihood of thefts from vehicles, which become targets when parked in isolated coastal and recreation areas.
Sergeant Jason Harrison, of Lake Illawarra police, said portable electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones, iPads and iPods, and handbags and wallets were the items most commonly taken.
He said reducing opportunistic stealing was a large part of the crime prevention process.
"Police will be conducting regular operations and patrols in parks, reserves, beachside, lakeside and harbour car parks where incidents have been recorded. However, participation in crime prevention is a necessary community partnership," he said.