Kent Police has issued a warning for people to keep their vehicles secure following a spate of thefts in Thanet and across east Kent.
A number of areas have suffered spates of thefts from vehicles in recent weeks.
In Thanet a number of parked vans have been targeted and tools stolen from inside over the past fortnight.
There were 10 thefts from vehicles reported in the Canterbury district overnight on Wednesday 23 August 2017.
Several reported incidents have taken place in Deal, Ashford and Shepway.
‘Opportunity’
Superintendent Andrew Pritchard of Kent Police said: “While these particular areas have experienced an increase in vehicle crime, it is important to remember that thieves will strike wherever they see an opportunity and do not discriminate by town or village.
“That is why we should all remember to keep our vehicles locked and secure at all times, and to ensure any valuables are removed when we are not there to keep them safe. Let’s not make it easier for criminals to strike by leaving windows and sunroofs open in the warm weather, even when our vehicles are parked on driveways, outside our homes or in other places where we might assume they will not be targeted.
“Opportunist thieves do not need an invitation to help themselves to items that do not belong to them so it is important we do all we can to stop them.’
Crime prevention advice
Lock and alarm your vehicle;
Remove items left inside;
Secure belongings in your boot if you need to leave your vehicle while you are out;
Park in a secure car park or well-lit location whenever possible;
Always wipe away satnav suction marks left on your windscreen so thieves do not think the satnav is still inside.