POLICE are urging car owners in Gosport to be vigilant following a spate of car thefts.

The warning comes after a number of items were taken from 13 vehicles were targeted in the space of 48 hours on Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30 on Mayfield Road, St Mary’s Avenue, Carlton Road, St George’s Walk and Ashburton Road in Gosport, many of which were left unlocked.

In a separate incident, a Nishiki Criterium road bike was also removed from the rack on a car on Avenue Road at some point between 10.:30am and 11am on Saturday, September 30.

Inspector Richard Thompson from Gosport’s neighbourhood policing team said: “With the nights getting darker and winter drawing in, there is potential for this problem to get worse.

“Don’t leave your vehicle unattended at any time if it is unlocked, some people may decide to start the ignition in advance of leaving on a cold morning if you do then make sure you don’t go back inside your home and provide an easy target for a thief.

“We’re doing our best to address the issue, but in many cases theft can be prevented by observing simple crime prevention advice.”

Anybody with any information on the incident should contact Hampshire Police on 101 quoting 44170379808.