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Chula Vista police said reports of car battery thefts had increased since May. The majority of victims owned businesses in the southwest portion of the city or were from local commercial businesses, police said.

Police said ensuring that vehicles were locked or secured could reduce the potential of being victimized as could upgrading security at businesses.

Inscribing the battery with the license plate number of the vehicle to which it belongs and entrusting someone to look after a home or business during trips could also reduce risk, police said.

Police asked victims of battery theft to report the incident as soon as possible and let officers know if the vehicle's license number was marked on the battery.