Memphis, TN – FOX13 has reported countless times on the alarming trend of car break-ins in Memphis.

At the beginning of November, FOX13 reported motor vehicle burglaries are up 15% this year and car thefts are up 76%.

The big question now, can you truly prevent someone from breaking into your or car or even stealing it? Mike Collins, a retired lieutenant for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, told FOX13 unfortunately, the answer is no.

“There are very few things that a person can do to prevent something that’s probably almost inevitable,” said Collins. “This is an area that is known for motor vehicle theft or vehicle burglaries.”

Collins said this is an issue he dealt with during his time in law enforcement.

“That was one of the biggest problems I had as it relates to trying to combat this type of crime,” said Collins. “It’s has always been there, and it’s just been exacerbated over the course of the year.”

You often hear law enforcement encouraging car owners to either hide valuables in their or take them out. Collins told FOX13 drivers have turned to keeping their car doors unlocked and windows rolled down to prevent the financial burden of paying for repairs.

“The people I talked to and asked them why they would do that, they indicated well, it’s cheaper for me to just let them take whatever they see that’s visible and minimize my damages,” said Collins.

New technology is also making it difficult for law enforcement to crack down on car break-ins and thefts. Collins told FOX13 thieves are always one step ahead of law enforcement.

“As soon as we learn, from the law enforcement community, learn what they’re doing, they’ve figured out another method of doing something to circumvent or compromise the anti-theft procedure.”

Collins said it’s how the thieves are learning new tactics that makes it difficult for law enforcement as well.

“Social media is allowing them to pass that information on to one another,” said Collins.

Collins suggests drivers continue to take out valuable items as we get closer to the holiday shopping season.