DRIVERS are being warned to tighten up their in-car security following a surge in thefts of hi-tech gadgets from vehicles.

Police urged car owners to take precautions following the rise over the past month.

Thieves have been targeting items such as navigation systems, laptop computers and car stereos in a series of break-ins across the town.

Forty-five incidents have already been reported this month, compared to 40 for the whole of September.

Residents in Sutton Park are being advised to take extra care after police said the area had been "particularly targeted".

Wyre Forest District councillor, Marcus Hart, who represents the ward, said the news did cause concern.

He added: "It is very worrying to hear that this sort of thing is happening.

"I would encourage anyone who has been affected or has seen anything suspicious to contact the police, in the first instance.

"They could also raise any concerns with myself or at Community Action meetings and surgeries.

"I have a good relationship with the police and if there are concerns I would certainly ask them to take extra measures to try and deal with any problems."

It is not yet known if the increase in thefts and damage, which has happened mainly to cars parked on the road, are linked.

Community liaison officer, Sgt John Elliott, said: "Our advice is to get into the habit of taking these items out of your vehicle, particularly overnight. It is also advisable to park off the road and to use a garage if you have one available to you.

"As any victim of car crime will tell you, having your expensive stereo system stolen is quite bad enough but losing a laptop computer or your tool kit can be a great deal more inconvenient and may have a huge impact on your work as well."

On Tuesday, a mini-disc player and a pair of trainers were taken from a car in Clensmore Street between 9am and 3pm.

A car stereo worth £99 and 10 CDs were also removed from a White Ford Escort van in Poplar Road some time on Monday night.

Witnesses or anyone with information about vehicle crime are asked to contact Kidderminster police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 55111.