POLICE are hunting thieves after seven cars were targeted in Hampshire in just one night.

Motorists in Southampton are being urged to think like a criminal when leaving their cars, making sure that nothing that could attract unwanted attention is left on show.

Officers are also warning people to make sure their cars are locked as many involved in this latest spate of thefts from vehicles were unsecured.

The spree of thefts happened overnight on Monday into Tuesday morning, in two separate clusters.

Three vehicles were targeted in Hill Cottage Gardens in West End and another four in the Sholing area of the city.

In Hill Cottage Gardens a a satnav was stolen from a BMW 1 Series, a wallet and sunglasses were taken from an Audi A3, and several items were taken from a Hyundai I10.

That same night, thieves targeted a Ford Transit in Luton Road, a Peugeot 206 in High Firs Road and a Ford Mondeo in Franklyn Avenue, all having a range of items stolen.

Another car, a Renault Megane in Fair Green, had a Kindle stolen.

Officers investigating the crimes are not linking the two separate clusters of thefts due to the distance between them, but they are urging motorists to take action to ensure they don’t become the next target.

Inspector Martyn Gorse, from Bitterne police station, said: “The majority of cars targeted either have some insecurity or high value items have been left on display.

“People should remember to think like a criminal and think what a criminal would walk past and see.

“And it is things that you might not think of such as leaving your coat in the car or a rucksack but if a criminal walks past they will try the door handle.”

If anyone has any information about the thefts they are urged to contact Bitterne police station on 101.