THIEVES targeted 16 cars in Kingswood during a three-week rampage on the estate.
Vandals broke into the secure and unlocked vehicles between March 1 and March 23 and stole high-value gadgets including sat navs and mobile phones.
The crimes were recorded by Humberside Police who say the problem is not common in the area which usually has a low crime level.
Sergeant Andy Crawforth, of the North Carr Policing Team, is warning residents to be more vigilant.
He said: "This type of offence is very unusual for the area.
"Opportunist thieves tend to look for premises and vehicles that have been left unlocked, which has been the case for some of the reports we're investigating.
"Criminals want to steal high-value items in just a few seconds, so if a car, van, house or garage is insecure, they try their luck to earn a fast buck."
Officers from the North Carr Policing Team are looking to tackle the crime spike before it becomes synonymous with the estate and have given advice to motorists in the area.
Sgt Crawforth said thieves are now looking for signs of equipment inside cars.
"My advice to motorists is to keep all valuables out of sight and clear marks left by navigation devices from the window," he said.
"Also, buy a steering or handbrake lock and, more importantly, lock the vehicle at all times, even if left alone for a few seconds, and try to park in a well-lit area."
Police are determined to tackle the problem, which Kingswood councillor Danny Brown said was unusual for the neighbourhood.
He said: "It stands out like a sore thumb because, previously, crime rates for Kingswood have been the lowest in the city.
"I certainly hope this is a one-off.
"Criminals move around and if they find rich pickings, they stay there, so it might be if people put things out of sight, they will go."
Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have alerted residents by posting crime prevention leaflets through their doors.
The information has been delivered to homes in Chevening Park, Budworth Park, Elvaston, Knightly Way and Aldenham Park.
Although officers have focused on these streets, they are aware some crimes on other streets may still be unreported.
Officers are now investigating the thefts and are asking anyone with information to call Humberside Police on non-emergency number 101.
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