A number of vehicle thefts have occurred throughout Chittenden County over the last few months.Tuesday morning in Essex Junction, outside the Planet Fitness on Pearl Street, a vehicle with three dogs inside was stolen. Laura Handy, of Colchester, said she was working out at the gym, when she noticed her car keys were missing out of her locker.She went outside only to find her 2012 Toyota Blue Highlander missing.However, her biggest fear was for her three dogs, as they were inside the car.Anthony Jackson-Miller, Essex Police Community Affairs Liaison, said vehicle thefts are something they’ve been seeing all too often lately.Jackson-Miller couldn’t comment specifically on this case as the investigation is ongoing.He said it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why car break-ins are becoming a weekly occurrence.”As far vehicle thefts, that’s something we’re always going to have to deal with,” said Jackson-Miller.He said his department is more focused on capturing the “who” than figuring out the “why.”However, he believes the common mistake people make is giving thieves an incentive to steal in the first place.”The biggest thing is opportunity,” Jackson-Miller said. “Don’t give folks the opportunity to steal things from your vehicle.”To prevent vehicle thefts from happening, Jackson-Miller advises folks to keep their windows and doors locked, have their keys with them at all times, and don’t leave valuables in plain sight.If something does happen to your belongings, always call 911. “We’re always going to take it seriously,” Jackson-Miller said. “We’re going to treat every individual that we come across as that individual and try to help solve that case.”Handy chose not to speak with NBC5 on camera.She did confirm all three of her dogs have been recovered.Her vehicle is still missing.If you have any information, contact Essex police at 802-878-8331.