COOLANGATTA Police are warning drivers about a recent spate of smash-and-grab car break-ins in the area.
And it's not just holiday-makers who are being targeted.

"They'll smash one window, grab a few things of value and quickly move on to the next car," Senior Constable Emma Nicholsonsaid.

Sen Const Nicholson said the tourism influx at this time of year may give crooks more opportunities.

"It does bring more people into our area and tourists can become complacent, especially in the warmer weather," she said.

"They tend to leave more windows down.

"But I'm finding it's actually more the residential areas that are being targeted and residents around here that are the victims."

 Sen Const Nicholson added that portable items of value were the most attractive to thieves, some even striking in residential driveways. 

"Mobile phones, wallets, purses, handbags and GPS units are among the commonly stolen items," she said.

Police are warning people to take valuables out of cars, to lock and close all windows and doors completely and to take note of serial numbers on expensive items. Registering iPhones and iPads will also allow them to be tracked by police if stolen.

If anyone has information about car thefts in the Coolangatta area contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.