The large number of auto thefts in Colorado Springs this summer is a growing concern for the city's police department. Now they are taking steps to address the problem.

Springs police report over 600 cars were stolen in the city between May 1st and September 1st. In response to this spike in motor vehicle thefts the police department has designed a new unit to take on the problem. The unit is made up of 5 officers who are working to prevent these crimes from happening and to try and track down cars that have been stolen.

11 News asked if they expect this trend to continue into the fall and winter months. Police say the numbers of stolen cars tend to go down later in the year, but they do see consistent numbers even in those months.

Police say people need to protect themselves against car thieves because they will strike during cold months by looking for running cars with nobody inside. Many people make the mistake of warming up their cars and running back inside the store, or into their house. Police say this gives a great opportunity for thieves to get away with your car.

11 News will stay on top of this story to let you know what kind of an impact this new unit is making on the number of car thefts in Colorado Springs.