SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Criminals breaking into vehicles could find themselves spending their holidays behind bars, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

The Sugar Land Police Department formed a task force to combat an annual 20 percent increase in motor vehicle burglaries during the holiday season.

"There may be officers in marked and unmarked vehicles. Officers are hoping to catch those individuals breaking into cars," said SLPD Sgt. Mike Richards.

Some officers will also be disguised as shoppers, looking for crooks.

Earlier this year, Sugar Land police formed a task force after a 34 percent increase in vehicle burglaries.

Richards said crime increases during the holidays because drivers leave shopping bags and property in their vehicles, which creates an easy target for thieves.

Items typically targeted during vehicle burglaries include purses, wallets, computer equipment and electronics (i.e., iPods, GPS devices, cellular phones and radar detectors).

The task force will work closely with owners of retail areas, especially shopping centers and fitness clubs.

Police said the following tips can help prevent vehicle burglaries.

Keep vehicles locked at all times.
When parked overnight, remove all valuables from vehicles.
When shopping, make one trip to the car with purchased merchandise, and then leave the lot. Thieves have been known to watch shoppers as they place merchandise in their cars before returning to a store.
Never leave identification, wallets, credit cards or jewelry in vehicles while visiting fitness centers. Doing so is much riskier than using a locker inside the gym or leaving the items at home.
If personal property must be left in a car, lock it in the trunk. Unfortunately, this option does not exist for pick-up trucks or SUVs. Thieves are aware that there is no secure place to store items in these types of vehicles.
Before you leave a vehicle, take a second to look inside and make sure nothing is visible from the outside that could attract a thief.