In light of a recent spate of burglaries, Austin’s police chief has one message for residents: Lock your doors.

“Citizens continue to not secure or lock their residences or belongings,” Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger said.

Police are investigating at least a half-dozen burglary reports from the past few weeks, including several where burglars entered a home where people were asleep and stole items. Cars and even boat motors have been stolen from residents who hadn’t locked their doors or stored their belongings.

Earlier this week, a victim reported someone broke into their car to steal a lunchbox filled with prescription Vicodin pills.

“There’s concern on our part that people don’t secure their properties or lock their doors which allows these burglars to open doors even when people are asleep,” Krueger said.

Krueger advises residents to lock their doors and vehicles whenever possible to avoid easy burglaries. He also encourages people to report any suspicious activity to area law enforcement at 437-9400 or through the Austin Police Department’s online app, Tip411 under austinpd.