Howard County police, worried about a spike in thefts from vehicles, are urging residents not to keep valuables in their cars.

So far this year, Howard County police have received 2,519 reports of thefts from vehicles, up from 1,800 reports during the same period in 2007, police said.

The trend has occurred throughout the county, with police making arrests in Elkridge, Columbia, Ellicott City and North Laurel, according to police.

Police have assigned special squads to combat the issue, both undercover and in marked police cars.

Police also have conducted crime prevention meetings with communities and notified residents in affected neighborhoods by phone, according to police.

The thefts continue in part because valuables are left in cars, according to police, including such items as GPS units, laptop computers, stereos, portable music players, purses and briefcases.

Police suggest taking valuables indoors whenever possible or locking them in the trunk.

Police also recommend keeping vehicles locked and parked in well-lit areas or locked garages.

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