Home burglaries are up over 17% since this time last year and local police say thefts from garages are up 100%. For the most part, thieves aren't sneaking around breaking locks. They're preying on homes with open garage doors.

This month alone, police have more than twenty open garage theft reports. Four of those garages had cars stolen. The others had purses, keys, and other valuables taken.

Police say it doesn't matter the time of day, when an opportunity presents itself, a thief will strike.

These incidents are mostly occurring in neighborhoods on the far east and west sides of town, so KAKE News decided to check it out. One neighborhood which has been a constant target had more than 40 garage doors open without a resident in sight. For safety, we are not releasing where the neighborhood is located.

Some residents say they're not worried. Other residents aren't willing to take the risk and say they'll be keeping their door shut from now on.