POLICE have issued a warning to motorists in the Stroud area. 

Officers from Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team are urging the public to lock their vehicles and take personal belongings with them to help reduce vehicle crime.

The advice comes after a number of thefts from vehicles which have been reported across the county.

"Ensure that you are not a target"

Inspector James Hutchins said: “Thieves are opportunistic and will be looking for easy chances to take your belongings.

“They will be on the look-out for valuables left on display in your vehicle and will often try the door handles to see if they have been left unlocked.

“Our officers will continue their neighbourhood patrols as normal throughout the summer but in the meantime there are some simple measures you can take to ensure that you are not a target.

“Take all your belongings from your vehicle, including bags, mobile phones, laptops, wallets and purses and don’t leave anything on show in your car that could be tempting to thieves like loose change, bank cards, Dashcams and sunglasses.

“Always lock your car – even if you only plan on leaving it unattended for a few minutes – and don’t leave windows and doors open in an attempt to cool the car down.

“We would also advise against leaving the vehicle registration and insurance documents inside your vehicle, as this could enable a thief to pretend to be the owner and sell it on quite easily.

“If you see anyone behaving suspiciously around vehicles or if you are targeted by a vehicle break-in, please report it to us by calling 101 or call 999 if a crime is in progress.”

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