SIXTEEN cars have been broken into as part of a 24-day Southampton crime spree.

With the vehicles being targeted in overnight break-ins, one community leader has suggested it might be part of an organised ring.

The Bevois Valley area has seen 16 vehicles had valuables taken since the beginning of August.

Twelve of those have been targeted in the last ten days.

Purses, iPods and cash have all been taken.

Police are warning residents not to leave any car doors or windows open or unlocked, as well as not trying to hide personal belongings, but remove them altogether.

Sheriff of Southampton, city councillor Stephen Barnes-Andrews, who represents the Bevois area, said he thought the activity was ‘incredible’.

Cllr Barnes-Andrews said: “All I can really say is to follow the police advice.

“It sounds as though perhaps it’s part of an organised ring if they are following similar methods.”

Police say that most of the crimes are occurring overnight, with neighbourhood officers paying particular attention to the areas that have been most targeted.

Cllr Barnes-Andrews added: “I must admit, I’ve not heard of any car thefts or break-ins within the area before, so perhaps this is isolated in a sense.

“It’s incredible. Just make sure you lock your car and remove every valuable item in there.

“It sounds one-off to me.”

Roads affected include Metheun Street, Cedar Road, Spear Road and other areas off of Lodge Road.

PC Matt Clarke said: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the crime prevention advice.”

Police are advising residents not to leave anything in the car, and to choose a stereo that can be removed.

They also state that drivers shouldn’t try to hide valuables, as well as not leaving anything with a home address on.