A WOMAN has spoken out to warn other motorists after her car was stolen from nearby her Southampton home. 

The Range Rover was taken from a disabled bay at Barrow Down Gardens. Its window was smashed in using stones and the car was driven off without a key.

The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she left her home to go to a doctor’s appointment the next day – only to find just a “pile of glass” where she had left her car.

Although her vehicle has since been returned, the woman is calling on other motorists to be vigilant.

Her warning comes after a series of car thefts were reported in the area, with one Range Rover currently sat “burnt out” on Botley Road near Netley Common.

The concerned resident said her car was stolen in the early hours of April 5 without the use of the keys.

Thieves were able to take it using a device which can start the engine without the need for a key or a fob.

She told the Echo: “People should get a steering lock or an immobiliser. [The thieves] don’t know it’s there.”

According to AXA UK, an immobiliser is an “electronic device that’s fitted into a car to stop the engine from running unless the correct key or key fob is present”.

Posts shared on social media suggest this is not the first car theft reported of late.

Police confirmed they are aware of the burnt out Range Rover on Botley Road but their investigation has stalled.

A police spokesperson said: “We received a report of a white Range Rover being stolen from Burgoyne Road between 8pm on 4 April and 10am on 5 April.

“The vehicle was recovered in Thornhill and had been damaged.

“Several lines of enquiry were followed up and the incident has been filed, pending any new information coming to light.”

Meanwhile, residents have been voicing their concerns on social media.

One person alleged that two car dealerships in the city have recently had Range Rovers stolen while another resident said vehicles had been stolen in Millbrook as well.

Posting advice on the Hampshire Constabulary website, police say residents can avoid car thefts by locking their vehicles, keeping keys safe, being aware of carjackers, parking responsibly and watching for illegal tow trucks.

Other security tips include fitting good in-car security locks and double-checking electronic locking.

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