SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Sugar Land police are taking steps to reduce car burglaries during the holidays, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

Last year, police combined targeted patrols, surveillance, citizen volunteers and driver education to combat annual increases in car burglaries during the holiday season. It worked, so they're doing it again this year.

"We're aggressively attacking a problem that we see throughout the year, but more so during the holidays," Sgt. Mike Richards said. "Drivers are leaving property in their vehicles, which creates an easy target for thieves. Those caught breaking into vehicles will be arrested and stand a good chance of spending their Christmas in jail."

Items thieves typically look for include electronics, purses, wallets and computer equipment.

Officers will focus on burglary hot spots, including parking lots of shopping centers and health clubs.

Police offered drivers these tips to prevent burglaries:

Keep vehicles locked at all times.
When parked overnight, remove all valuables from vehicles.
When shopping, make one trip to the car with purchases and then leave the parking lot.
Never leave identification, wallets, credit cards or jewelry in vehicles when visiting fitness centers.
If personal property must be left in a vehicle, lock it up in the trunk.
Before leaving a vehicle, take a second look inside to make sure nothing that could attract a thief is visible from outside.