Portsmouth son's warning after suspected thieves caught on doorbell camera in Widley

Footage captured in Lansdowne Avenue, Widley, shows a man wearing a hooded coat and face mask unsuccessfully trying to get into two vehicles.

But a second man, who emerges into shot just moments after the first leaves, opens a car door on the opposite side of the road and enters.

He remains inside with the car’s internal light on for a few seconds – leaving, shutting the door and reaching for the neighbouring car’s door in one swift movement.

Unsuccessful he walks off in the direction of the first man at around 5.19am last Friday.

Carl Inman, 48, from Fratton, installed the camera at his parents’ home and was shocked at how the men struck.

‘It’s just how casual they're going around going around from car to car,’ he said.

‘I know we’re in the middle of a pandemic and people are getting desperate but it’s just the casualness of trying other people’s cars.

‘It’s absolutely mad.’

Mr Inman shared the footage in a bid to warn others.

‘It's just to get the message out there to people to double check your cars,’ he said.

‘It’s easy enough to forget them.’

Police regularly warn people to check their vehicles and say not to leave any possessions inside overnight.

Anyone with information or wanting to report a crime should call officers 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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