Southsea residents warned after spree of thefts targeting vehicles

The incidents took place between December 11 and December 13 and saw cash as well as chemicals taken as well as an e-scooter and a moped.

First a vehicle and an electric scooter were taken from an address on Sussex Terrace sometime between 4.45pm and 9.45pm on Friday. The vehicle was later returned to the driveway having received minor damage.

In the early hours of December 11, between 2.20am and 2.30am, a car was broken into at an address on Gloucester View.

Police have said that nothing was taken.

Between 7.10pm and 7.20pm on Saturday, two men were interrupted breaking into a car on Pains Road.

A small amount of cash was stolen.

Then between 9pm on Saturday and midnight on Sunday, a locked car was broken into outside of an address on Fraser Road.

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A radio and a number of work tools and chemicals were taken.

Finally at 2.15pm on Sunday, a moped was taken from the driveway of an address on Belmont Street.

The moped has since been recovered with minor damage.

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘Enquiries are ongoing.’

Police have issued the following advice for motorists:

- Keep your car fob/key in a signal blocking pouch and store it as far away from the front door as possible at night, to prevent it being scanned by thieves

- Always lock your vehicle

- Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.

- Avoid parking in dark, secluded areas. It’s worth an extra five or ten minute walk if it means your vehicle is left in a well-lit and busier street.

- Double check your electric locking – manually check that the doors are locked before walking away

- Consider the use of CCTV, security lighting and a house alarm

- Consider using a Thatcham-approved car alarm system, with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors

For more advice, visit Hampshire Constabulary’s website here.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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