Lock your door. Keep anything that could tempt thieves out of sight.

A rash of car break-ins at Oregon State University has state troopers warning people to take common-sense precautions to protect valuables.

There have been eight break-ins in the Sackett Hall parking lot and OSU parking structure over the past week, said Sgt. Vonn Schleicher of the Oregon State Police office on campus. Car thieves often target stereos and CDs, Schleicher said, but an “oddball collection” of stuff has been swiped during this recent spate of break-ins.

Everything from a flashlight to hand grips for an all-terrain vehicle have been stolen. In one incident, he said, nothing was taken, but the car window still was smashed. Almost all the break-ins have been at the same two locations, Schleicher added.

“We’ll be focusing more attention on parking lots and structures,” Schleicher said.

As with most car break-ins, he said, these appear to be crimes of opportunity. Thieves see something of value and decide whether or not it’s worth the risk to smash a window and grab it, he said. Keeping items out of sight dramatically reduces the temptation, he added.

The Sackett Hall parking lot was hit twice in the last few days. According to reports, between $150 and $200 worth of bath items were stolen Saturday. At least $150 in CDs and coins were stolen Monday. The parking structure was also hit twice in recent days. An iPod worth $50 was stolen Friday. Stereo equipment worth $5,000 was stolen Saturday.

“The reminder here is to do all you can to keep your vehicle secure,” Schleicher said.