WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wauwatosa Police Department has been seeing an increase in stolen vehicles in the area involving using key-programming devices. 

In a post on Facebook, Wauwatosa police state the key-programming devices are tools that reprogram a car's system to create a new key. 

To help combat or deter these thefts they have provided a list of safety measures: 

• Use physical deterrents - steering wheel locks or use brake/wheel locks.
• Park inside a garage if possible, or a well-lit area outside. 
• Make sure to not leave key fobs in your car, store them in a signal-blocking pouch. 
• Enable car alarms. 
• Activate tracking or car-location services. 
• Keep car software updated per manufacturer recommendations. 

Most importantly... STAY ALERT! 

Report any suspicious activity immediately, get to know your neighbors and look out for each other.