Cheshire Police are warning residents in Chester to ensure their vehicles are properly secured and valuable items removed after an increase of thefts from motor vehicle in the last month.

There has been a particular increase in the Upton, Hoole and Curzon Park areas of Chester.

The three areas are not being linked as being targeted by the same suspects but it is likely there are individuals or teams committing crimes in these areas as their favoured location in the last few weeks.

There has been approximately 30 offences of cars being entered and small items of property such a loose change or satellite navigation systems taken. The offences are generally committed during the hours of darkness.

Inspector Brian Green of the Chester Neighbourhood Policing Unit is asking vehicle owners and residents to remain vigilant.  He said: “ Thefts from motor vehicles can be very difficult to prevent and detect.

"They are often committed spontaneously and the current trend seems to be from insecure motor vehicles by people on foot or pedal cycles at night.

"As a result of them targeting insecure cars and what they are stealing there is often very little noise made and the offence is completed in seconds giving the Police little chance to catch those in the act.

"I would request that vehicle owners double check their vehicles are locked, nothing valuable is left on display and is removed from the vehicle and that they are parked in secured garages where possible or well-lit areas”.

Cheshire Police will continue to target those areas affected and ask that residents and vehicle owners do everything they can to assist and prevent further offences by following these simple requests. Anybody with information regarding those responsible for such offences can contact Cheshire Police on Telephone 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.