Motorists beware

Motorists in Evesham and surrounding villages are being told to take further steps to protect their vehicles after a number of thefts in the area on Tuesday, March 12.

The first incident took place in High Street, Badsey, when items worth £5,500 were taken from a blue Ford Transit panel van overnight.

Two drills, 10 batteries, a saw, a jigsaw, 2,000m of cable and other power tools were stolen.

The next theft, from a car in St John's Close in Evesham, occurred between 10pm on Tuesday and 7.30am yesterday.

A Dell laptop computer in a leather case, worth around £1,600, was taken from a red Ford Fiesta.

In the third incident - which took place in the early hours of yesterday - a set of Ping golf clubs and electrical equipment worth a total of £2,300 were stolen from a white Citroen Synergie estate, parked in Hughes Close, in Harvington.

Geographical inspector for Wychavon Steve Brooker said he hoped the latest thefts would act as a warning to residents who previously ignore advice.

"People are still leaving valuable items in their vehicles such as laptop computers and tools - ideal targets for opportunistic thieves," he said.

"Over the last week we have seen an increase in theft from vehicles and, although vehicle crime is low in South Worcestershire, this is an increase we do not want to see again wherever possible.

"I would again urge car and van owners to follow crime prevention advice and, if they are unsure of how to protect themselves against vehicle crime, to contact their local policing officer who will be happy to help."

Motorists can take the following steps to protect their vehicle -

• Remove all valuables and personal belongings
• Remove sat-navs and their cradles - wipe away sucker marks
• Check doors and windows are locked
• Don't leave keys in the ignition
• Park in open, well-lit areas
• Keep your vehicle well maintained

Witnesses to any of the above incidents should call Evesham police now on 08457 444888.