Police: Crooks using garage door openers to get into homes

NEWCASTLE, Wash.  -- Police are alerting neighbors about a disturbing trend they're seeing as crooks are breaking into cars at night that are parked in driveways and using the garage door openers to get inside and steal more valuables.

Police say thieves are stealing tools and other valuables and could even access your home, too.

"The door from the house to the garage a lot of people do not lock. I highly recommend people lock those doors always," Police Chief Melinda Irvine said.

Officers say people should always take the garage door opener inside with them and never leave it in plain sight. It is also a good rule of thumb to remove all valuables from cars as well.