Malden has experienced a "sporadic increase" in vehicle break-ins over the past few weeks, with police urging residents to take common sense precautions to protect their cars. 

"Although not always the case, the majority of car breaks are crimes of opportunity," Malden Police Lt. Det. Marc Gatcomb wrote in an email.

"Simple measures may go a long way in determining if a criminal targets your vehicle over one parked down the street." 

The tips include: 

• Always lock your car doors - "Many of the reports we take indicate the vehicle was unlocked at the time of the incident," Gatcomb notes. 
• Roll your windows up entirely
• Park your vehicle in a well-light, well-trafficked area, if possible
• Do not leave valuabes in car - or for that matter, anything that appears valuable. "A car parked on Rockland Ave. had it's window smashed and a gym bag on the rear seat taken this week," Gatcomb said. "The culprit's prize was sweaty gym clothes." 
• If something looks out of place, call 911 or the Malden Police or 781-322-1212.

Do you have any tips you use to keep your car safe? Let us know in the comments.