Car thefts increase in the summer, partly because many juveniles prone to crime are out of school for the summer, and may turn to stealing on "nothing-to-do" summer days. The Pennsylvania Automobile Theft Prevention Authority warns that car owners make it too easy for a thief.

I'm amazed at the number of cars with keys I notice outside places like convenience stores or gas stations, sometimes with the engine running -- to keep the A/C cool? "We've seen cases where thieves admitted to stealing only cars that were left unlocked," according to ATPA executive director Roy Miller.

Turn these hints into habits, and save yourself some grief:

• Roll up windows and lock doors when leaving car unattended.

• Never hide a key inside your car. Take the keys with you.
• Lock doors when driving. It's safest for passengers and to prevent car jacking.
• Don't leave packages, CDs, cellular phones, or other valuables in sight inside your car. Lock them in your trunk or, better yet, don't leave them in your car at all.