MORE than 20 cars were targeted by thieves in just five days across Hedge End.

Between April 26 and yesterday, thieves broke into, or attempted to break into, vehicles which were parked up on driveways to properties overnight, but were insecure.

Items stolen from the cars include sunglasses, wallets, a coat, golf equipment, a satnav and loose change.

The roads where break-ins took place were on Wellstead Way (four incidents), Warner Close (two), Hobb Lane (two), Telford Gardens, Ardingly Crescent, Downscroft Gardens, Britannia Gardens, Leatherhead Gardens, Coulsdon Road, Upper St Helens Road, Stockholm Drive, Freegrounds Avenue, Melbourne Road, Woodstock Close, Sherborne Way and Watson Court.

Hampshire Constabulary is now urging vehicle owners to carry out simple crime prevention measures.

These include fitting car alarms, parking in well lit areas, don’t leave items in the glove compartment and take sat navs out of the vehicle and wipe away any marks left by suctions pads.

It adds: “Never leave valuable possessions such as handbags, laptops, phones or sat navs on show inside a vehicle.

“This makes it much more likely to be targeted by thieves.

“Even items of little value, such as shopping bags and clothing, may tempt a potential thief to break into the vehicle to see whether they contain anything worth stealing.

“Keep your possessions out of view, or take them with you.”

Councillor Rupert Kyrle, county councillor for Botley and Hedge End North, said the number of incidents were “a bit of a shock”.

He added: “We have to reiterate the message to residents to make sure property is secure. Hopefully anyone who has got evidence or seen anything suspicious will get in touch with the police. We call on residents to be vigilant and lock up valuables out of sight.”

If you have any information call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.