Portsmouth, Va. - Portsmouth police are taking action against crime.
Officers are now giving out "auto alerts" after a string of car break-ins in their city.
The officers are now checking cars parked on streets and parking lots looking for valuables left in plain sight.
If they see them, they'll leave an "auto alert" on the windshield so folks know they could be a target.
If you get an "auto alert" it's not a ticket or summons or anything like that. Police say it's just a reminder to make sure you don't leave stuff thieves might want in your car and to lock it every time.