Cobourg police say the hustle and bustle of the holiday season mean vehicles are often left unlocked, and valuables left in plain sight, encouraging theft.

A Peterborough man is facing charges after items, including bank cards and a cellphone, were reported stolen from a vehicle parked at a convenience store on Thursday.

"I've had somewhere between $16,000 to $20,000 worth of vandalism, theft, damage, whatever you want to call it," said Karl Shifferns.

A witness reported to police that an unknown man was checking the doors of vehicles along Foxmeadow Road on Saturday.

Pendants were reported stolen from vehicles in the city's north and south ends in late November and early December.

Police say a picture taken of the suspect by a witness aided in the arrest.

Police data also shows an abnormal surge in vehicle break-ins specific to lots in and around Springbank Park.

Anyone with information can contact Const. Osborne of the Barrie Police Service at 705-725-7025, ext. 2783, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Police say there have already been 1,150 reported thefts from vehicles so far this year.

Police said the most aggressively targeted areas include Aberdeen Mall, President's Plaza and a variety of locations along Alexandra Road.