Auto thefts have increased 18% percent this year in Nassau County, according to Nassau police.

Police say with 97% of those auto thefts, the victim had left a key fob in the car.

“Take your fob. Lock it or lose it,” says Detective Lt. Richard Lebrun. “…If you have it in your car, it's a free car.”

News 12 reported last month that three Queens men were arrested for allegedly stealing eight high-end cars from Garden City, East Hills and Syosset.

They say larcenies from unlocked cars are also increasing.

Police have issued a warning and released videos showing suspects doing what they call “jiggling.” That’s when potential robbers try door handles to see if a car is unlocked.

Last year, 334 cars were stolen in the Nassau County Police District. So far this year, there have been 396.