Beach Break-Ins Prompt Warning From Los Angeles Police Department (VIDEO)

It's summertime, and the living's easy for burglars who want to break into your car. When you're headed to the beach this year, don't forget to pay attention to the state of your automobile while you're slathering on sunscreen in the parking lot.

The Los Angeles Police Department in the Harbor Communities (Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Terminal Island and Wilmington) released a warning Monday about an increase in car break-ins near parks, beaches and sports fields in the area.

Since May, there have been 21 car break-ins near parks like Peck, Elks Lodge, Royal Palms, Cabrillo, Knoll Hill and Gaffey Street Fields.

In comparison, only seven vehicles were broken into from January to April, notes CBS2/KCAL9.

"Please know that the thieves are watching," said police in the statement, "and they will break the car windows or locks."

Your best bet? Don't take anything with you in your car that you aren't going to bring with you to your final destination. That secret hiding spot underneath the car seat or in the glove compartment? It's not so secret.

Authorities issued the warning in anticipation of an increase in visitors visiting San Pedro beaches and to attend the U.S.S. Iowa opening.

And in other summer fun news, deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department will be out in force this weekend for "Operation Dry Water" (Jun. 22-24), to combat boating under the influence.

It's part of a national effort to reduce the number of boating accidents caused by alcohol and drug use. Boating under the influence is responsible for 19 percent of all boating fatalities, according to a statement released by the LASD.

Expect to see more officers in the Marina del Rey boating area, Castaic Lake and Pyramid lake.

Be safe out there!