It's the time of year when thieves are looking for easy targets including things sitting inside your car. In fact, police say now is the worst time of year for that.

Detectives in the Colorado Springs Gold Hills Police Division say they've received an alarming number of reported break-ins.

Crime analysts say over the past three weeks at least 30 cars were broken into and that's just the number that have been reported. Police are uncertain about the number of un-reported cases.

Every car that was broken into had something in plain sight.

These are things police say people leave out in the open sitting on the passenger seat or dashboard. Authorities are urging you not to do that.

They say it is a big mistake and only leaves an open invitation for crooks.

Police say they have reason to believe some of the crooks are riding around on bicycles targeting cars. Experts say crooks are able to get what they want from a car in less than 30-seconds by shattering the window, grabbing and running.

Police say don't ever let your guard down. "They think they're only going to be gone a minute and it takes less than that to become a victim," said Commander Kurt Pillard with the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Authorities also say sometimes it doesn't matter what's left in plain sight. Crooks will try and steal anything that looks valuable even if it's not.

"I've actually had my car broken into twice this year," said Bob Garner who is a victim.

The bad guy didn't get away with much the first time, and just listen to what the crook was after the second time. "My work out bag, they got my work out clothes," said Garner.

"I have no idea why people would make that effort to do that," said Jamie Lovato who has never been a victim of a car break-in.

It's happening in broad day light, so wouldn't you think a shattering window would make noise? "Some of the perpetrators are so fast and so good that it may sound like gravel hitting the street," said Commander Pillard.

Police say this could be a sign of the times.

"If you really need something, Christmas presents, clothes, food, there's plenty of organizations out there that are willing to help," said Lovato.

Police are asking for your help. If you notice anything suspicious call police with any details.