The number of thefts from vehicles in Ellesmere Port increased in February.

Seven cars on the Stanney Oaks Estate were targeted overnight on Saturday (February 27), The Chronicle reported earlier this week.

Now police are warning vehicle owners to be extra vigilant and security conscious.

With the majority of offences committed overnight and involving insecure cars, officers are urging drivers to ensure they always lock the doors of their vehicles.

Security advice

Det Con Kevin Hole, of Ellesmere Port CID, said: “The offenders are clearly opportunists trying car door handles.

“If your door is locked, you are less likely to become a victim of crime.

“However, a small number of other offences do include vehicles having entry gained by force.”

Patrols are being increased in the areas already targeted, to prevent offences occurring but also to give police the best chance of catching offenders in the act.

But people can reduce the likelihood of becoming victims of such crimes by ensuring valuables are removed from vehicles or kept out of sight.

“Although there are pockets where offences are committed, police express the need for everybody to be more vigilant to tackle the issue,” Det Con Hole added.

“It is paramount that the police and the community work closely together in order to reduce the number of these crimes which are so preventable.”