A recent increase in the number of car breakins has been reported by the Simi Valley Police Department, and it appears women dropping off or picking up their children from school are the prime targets.

Between Dec. 10 and Jan. 30, a period just over seven weeks, 92 vehicle breakins were recorded. Purses were stolen in 72 percent of the incidents.

Burglars are also targeting people who rush into stores, go to the gym or park at the entrance of hiking trails and leave their valuables in plain sight.

"It takes about 15 seconds to burglarize a vehicle, even if it's locked," said Simi Police Capt. Roy Jones. "People shouldn't take their valuables with them at all or should secure them in the trunk."

However, Jones warned, burglars may be watching people who walk out of their vehicles and place their valuables in the trunk or under a seat, so he encouraged residents to be aware of their surroundings.

Most of the vehicle break-ins have occurred near commercial businesses, including areas along the 1100 and 1200 blocks of Los Angeles Avenue, according to Debbie Ruud, police information and analysis manager.

Jones said vehicular burglaries or thefts have been reported at six elementary schools in recent months: Arroyo, Berylwood, Big Springs, Madera, Santa Susana and White Oak.

Break-ins have also occurred at trailhead parking areas on Evening Sky Drive, Flanagan Drive, Chumash Avenue, Wood Ranch Parkway, Long Canyon Road and Rocky Peak Fire Road, the police captain said.

In 2008, 628 vehicle burglaries were recorded. Stolen items included 269 purses or wallets. Ruud said most of those were left in plain view in the front or rear seats.

So far this calendar year, there have been 125 vehicle burglaries, so the city is on pace to top last year's total.

Jones said residents must be vigilant about locking their cars and taking steps to prevent the theft of valuables.

"This is preventable crime, there's no doubt about it," Jones said. "The responsibility is the criminal's, but the opportunity is provided by the citizen."

Simi Valley residents can receive regular electronic updates on specific crimes and crime trends by signing up for the Citizen Alert and Business Alert programs.

Individuals can e-mail citizenalert@simivalley.org and businesses can follow suit at businessalert@simivalley.org.