PEOPLE living in and around Sandbach and Holmes Chapel are being urged to be vigilant following a spike in the number of thefts from cars in the area.

Between Sunday, May 19 and Monday, May 20 Cheshire Constabulary received reports of a total of eight vehicles having been targeted by thieves in Sandbach and Holmes Chapel.

Locked and unlocked cars with valuable items on show were targeted and the items stolen include bank cards, wallets, cash, laptops and iPods.

Detective inspector Claire Jesson, of Crewe Local Policing Unit, said: “Enquiries in relation to these incidents are ongoing and patrols are being stepped up in those areas in a bid to actively target those responsible.

“The majority of the incidents involved cars that were left insecure or had valuable items on show.

“As a result we are urging vehicle owners to be vigilant and to take steps to reduce their chances of becoming victims of this type of crime.

“Whether you are leaving your vehicle parked up somewhere whilst you are out and about or leaving it outside your home overnight, please ensure that it is secure and does not have any items of value on show.

“I also urge residents to report any suspicious activity to the police to aid our ongoing battle against vehicle crime and help us to bring offenders to justice.”

Cheshire Constabulary’s have issued the following advice for car owners:

• Try to park your vehicle in well-lit areas

• Ensure that your vehicle is locked and secure with the windows up whenever you are not inside it, even if you are only leaving it unattended for a brief moment

• Remember to activate your alarm and/or steering lock whenever you get out of your vehicle

• Never leave valuable items inside your vehicle, such as mobile phones, laptops and cash

• Do not leave anything that may attract an opportunist thief visible in your vehicle and never be attempted to hide valuable items in the glovebox or under seats

• Do not forget to remove your satnav and the fascia of your car stereo when you get out of the vehicle − ensure that you detach the cradle

• Also remember to wipe away the mark from the windscreen that is left by the suction pad, as this is a telltale sign for thieves that you have a satnav.

Anyone with any information about thefts from motor vehicles in Sandbach or Holmes Chapel is urged to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or give the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries.

Information can also be reported anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.