Park Smart aims to raise awareness of the risks of leaving vehicles unlocked and valuables in sight.

Theft from motor vehicles and car thefts were identified as two areas of concern for Wagga, so the campaign will include several ways to increase awareness in the community, including promotional material, social media and street parking audits.

Police Inspector Peter McLay said two cars were broken into on Thursday night, one in Lampe Avenue and one in Beckwith Street.

"We still have a prevalence of stealing from motor vehicles, particularly around the city," he said.

"These thieves are seizing on opportunities that present themselves.

"We just have to make it as hard as possible."

Inspector McLay said police are seeing avoidable cases almost daily.

Council's director of community Janice Summerhayes said the Park Smart campaign works to raise awareness of the small, everyday things people can do to minimise opportunities for these crimes to occur.

"Through the campaign we want people to remember to remove all devices like phones, iPads and electronics, as well as handbags, small change and other valuables when leaving the vehicle," she said.

"And most importantly, remember always to lock your vehicle.

"Not letting thieves 'smell an opportunity' is the key takeaway of the Park Smart campaign, with car air fresheners and postcards available to remind you."

Mayor Greg Conkey said residents need to be aware that Wagga is a city, and with that comes crimes such as stealing from cars.

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"It is disappointing that we have to do this campaign, surely it is basic to get people to lock their vehicles," he said.

"We only had a case not long ago when a car was stolen, the car was unlocked, and the keys were in the ignition."

The Park Smart community awareness campaign builds on council's Crime Prevention Plan 2021 as well as supporting the introduction of the new Crime Prevention Working Group.