Warning over spate of car break-ins in town

MORE than 40 cars and vans have been broken into and items stolen.

Havant police said 44 vehicles have been targeted since the start of 2016.

Now police cadets – youngsters aged 13 to 17 – will be working with neighbourhood officers to spot-check unattended vehicles.

Advice will be given to anyone who fails the checks.

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PCSO Alex McDonald who has been collating the data said: ‘The message really is simple, Lock It or Lose It.

‘Many of the reports we’ve received since the start of January have seen thieves force entry to vehicles.

‘I’d urge drivers to take any valuables with them when they leave their cars or vans to remove an opportunity for items to be stolen.

‘Please be vigilant in your area and report any suspicious activity immediately.’

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Police said 68 per cent of the thefts happened overnight or in cover of darkness.

Many of the thefts happened on a Thursday or Friday. And 39 per cent of the vehicles had not been locked or a window was left open.

Nine of the reports relate to the Battins area of the borough. Purses, wallets, tools, sat navs, and even a toolkit from a mobility scooter on Summerlands Walk was stolen. Call police on 101.