LEXINGTON, Ky (WKYT) - Lexington Police is continuing to remind people to protect and secure their vehicles and property. That after an increase in car thefts in the city. In many of the cases police say keys were left in an unattended or unoccupied vehicle.

During the past month, The Division of Police says it's received more than 80 reports of cars being stolen. Police say 30 of those reports involved cases where keys were left in a vehicle. Police say that's an even greater threat to victims, as many times the set of keys also includes keys to a victim's home, business, and other valued properties.

Officers say there are things people can do to reduce their chances of becoming a victim. Most important is lock your vehicle's doors. Also, make sure to hide your valuables, and don't leave keys in the car. That includes making sure there is no spare key under the mat, above the visor or in a center console.

Police say thieves also stake out parking lots, to watch for people putting valuables in the trunk. Officers say it's best to put items, like laptops, messenger bags and electronic devices, in your trunk before you get to the parking lot.

WKYT's Officer Don Evans, a retired Lexington Police detective says property crimes account for more than 90-percent of all crimes in Lexington.

"There scattered all over the city and the victims are very random," Officer Don said. "It really doesn't matter where you live. If someone is targeting your neighborhood that evening, then the likely hook your car could be broken into, is very high."

Lexington Police tell WKYT at this time there doesn't appear to be a pattern in terms of the types of cars being stolen, or broken into. It's all makes and models.