A HAMPSHIRE town has been hit by a spate of thefts from vehicles and burglaries.

Police have launched an investigation after reports of 11 crimes in Hedge End last Wednesday and Thursday, September 27-28.

The crimes happened overnight with thieves trying to steal whatever they could from garages and cars along St James Road and Vicarage Drive.

Among the items stolen were sunglasses, a set of golf clubs, a bike and a golf bag.

Now PCSO Mica Coppin, from Hedge End Neighbourhood Policing Team, has asked witnesses and residents who have private CCTV footage to come forward and urged them to be vigilant.

She said: “It is very unusual for Hedge End to have had this number of crimes in a small area, in one night.”

Police also said that during the night on September 23, two men and a woman tried to break into cars on Upper Northam Drive.

Hedge End, West End, Botley and Bursledon were targeted by thieves back in March, when more than 20 vehicles were targeted.

Jerry Hall, councillor for Hedge End ward, said: “I would like to see an increased police patrol at night time. At the next town council meeting I’ll be asking for this. There’s no much crime here but this seems to be a crime wave that we need to stop. People are relaxed here because there isn’t much crime but we need to be careful and mindful of our own security.”

Officers are now urging residents to lock their cars and remove valuables, including bags and coats.

They are also encouraging residents to register their properties and valuable items on the national property register Immobilise.com.

This will give residents the opportunity to have a record of the specific details of their valuables, in the unfortunate event they are stolen. But will also assist police in identifying the valuables.

Those who have any information or private CCTV or Dash Cam footage, are urged to call 101 or call anonymously to CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.