CHULA VISTA, Calif. -- The Chula Vista Police Department is urging residents to lock their car doors and to take all their valuables inside as a recent rash of automobile burglaries and thefts have hit eastern Chula Vista hard.

In the first three months of 2010, 189 reports were made to police -- a 148-percent increase from the same time period in 2009 when there were only 76 reports.

Police said thieves are enticed to break into cars when they see purses, wallets or electronics sitting out in the open.

"A lot of the community members are leaving valuables in their vehicles and as they do that, they're creating an opportunity for these individuals," Chula Vista Police Lt. Roxana Kennedy told 10News.

But police are not exactly sure why there's an increase in the areas of Eastlake, Otay Ranch and San Miguel Ranch. They suspect it's because of the dense population and multiple cars for every home.

Police suggest homeowners use common sense, by putting cars in a garage, if possible. If not, police said residents should take valuables inside and always lock their vehicles.