LAPD warns tourists about rise in car break-ins at Griffith park 

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is warning tourists and visitors headed to Los Angeles' iconic Griffith park to watch where they park and lock their cars as the number of car break-ins has increased. 

During a press conference on Tuesday, the LAPD said that thieves are particularly targeting rental vehicles with valuables in sight. 

"When they see a rental car appear in the park, there's a greater likelihood that there will be money, credit cards, IDs, possibly passports and or valuables, so those tend to be targeted and hit much more often," said Detective Michael Ventura.

LAPD has responded to at least 121 car break-ins in the area, 63 of which have taken place since May in the parking areas near the Griffith Observatory and the Greek Theater. 

Authorities believe the thieves are not LA natives but are driving down from Northern California. The suspects have been using cars that were traced back to San Francisco and Oakland, a police investigation found. 

Visitors should also be aware of their surroundings and take particular care when choosing where to park. Thieves need as little as 10 seconds to break into a car, said Los Angeles Park Service Chief Joe Loserreli.

“Before somebody really notices that it’s happened, the thieves are gone,” Loserreli said. “The thieves are basically in and out real quick.”

Additionally, authorities are urging people to lock their cars and hide all valuables from sight.