Thefts from cars in Winchester have skyrocketed, it can be revealed.

Shocking police figures seen by the Daily Echo show that the number of vehicles broken into during September and October was up by more than 1,100 per cent on the same period last year.

Thieves have targeted cars in various districts in Winchester overnight and police will not reveal what they believe is behind the rise in the worrying spate of crime.

Residents have taken to Facebook to voice their concerns.

One person wrote: “My hubby is a cab driver and our car was broken into two weeks ago.

"It cost us so much money, no insurance claim because of the excess and no work for days.

"The repair to the window alone was £1,270. These people need to be caught.

"The police need to be out at night patrolling the streets.”

The issue has concerned Winchester City Council leader Stephen Godfrey, who said: “Any crime is going to affect the person who is the victim, whether it is one or 101 crimes.

"I think that often there are sprints of crime that mean they do not tell the true picture.

“It is something we want to deal with because Winchester is renowned for being a peaceful, crime-free city.”

Police say the thefts could be the work of just one person, are keeping an “open mind”, and are patrolling the affected areas.

They say they will also be carrying out undercover operations, reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

Sergeant Matt Fancett, said: “We have seen a large increase in the number of thefts from vehicles in the Winchester area.

“In the last two months 49 thefts have been reported to us, compared with only four in the same period last year.

“At present we’re seeing the majority of incidents happening in the Stanmore, Badgers Farm, St Cross and Oliver’s Battery areas, as well as a number in the Weeke and Harestock areas.

"Most incidents are happening overnight with insecure vehicles being targeted, but there have also been occasions where the offenders have forced entry to vehicles.

“Tackling this issue is one of our district priorities and we are committed to finding the person or people responsible for this spate in crime.

“We’re carrying out covert policing operations and are urging the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.