Residents in Pflugerville know their city is growing. And with the burgeoning city comes a similar growth in the crime rate.

Resident Weldon Risner is retired and keeps an eye on his neighborhood.

"I think that's very important - that everybody gets involved," said Risner.

That's advice police agree with, especially with a dramatic spike in crime this year.

"The opportunity is there because the garage door is left open or car door is left unlocked," said Pflugerville Police Corporal Mike Clowdus.

That equals easy access for criminals.

Driving through neighborhoods revealed garage after garage open, leaving homes and vehicles vulnerable.

Vehicle burglaries are up more than 300 percent this year compared to last.

There were 78 vehicle burglaries in 2006 compared to 243 this year with two months left in 2007.

Home burglaries are also up.

"Back in March our home was burglarized," said resident Lauren Mireles.

Mireles is Co-President of the Creekside Neighborhood Association

“All of our streets are certified through neighborhood watch,” said Mireles.

After someone burglarized her home, she encouraged neighbors to get training in protecting their homes.

"We took it as an opportunity to get to know our neighbors, and used it as a tragic event turned into something positive for the neighborhood."

Police say the crime is spread out across the city.

They acknowledge growth is partly to blame, but police and victims of crime want neighbors to know simple steps can help keep you and your property safe.