A spate of five thefts over three days in rural Basingstoke have led the police to urge residents to check-up on their car security measures.
Overnight on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2, two cars parked on their owner’s drives in Ecchinswell, near Kingsclere, were broken into.
A Renault Traffic van had a tool stolen and a Volvo was broken into and a handbag stolen from the vehicle. The bag was later found discarded nearby with cash missing.
Overnight on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, three more vehicles were broken into in the Penwood Heights area.
The window of a Volkswagen Passat was smashed and a mobile phone, sat nav, iPod Touch and a wallet were stolen; and a Volvo also had its window smashed but nothing was taken.
A Volkswagen Golf parked on the A343 Andover Road had its window smashed and an attempt was made to steal the stereo.
PC Mattt Deery, from the Highclere and Burghclere Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: “These thefts have occurred in quiet residential areas and in some cases the vehicles were fitted with alarms which would have sounded when the vehicles were broken into.
“If you saw anything suspicious over that weekend, or have any information about who is responsible for these thefts, please get in touch.
“Vehicle crime is almost always preventable. In most cases items such as stereos, cash and satellite navigation system equipment have been left on display which makes it easy for thieves to target vehicles.
“Motorists should take the responsibility into their own hands and secure their property. Take sat navs and any other valuables with you when you leave your car. Never leave anything on sight that might tempt a would-be thief.
“By taking some simple precautions, members of the public can avoid the distress and expense of having their vehicles broken into and their property stolen.”
Basingstoke Police Safer Vehicles campaign urges people to be careful of leaving anything in cars as thieves will smash and grab before checking if the goods are worth anything.
Anyone with information about these incidents should contact PC Deery at Whitchurch police station on 101.
