POLICE are warning New Forest residents to be vigilant following a spate of thefts from cars across the district.

Officers are reminding people not to leave valuables in vehicles overnight following the thefts, which have occurred in Ashurst and Marchwood.

Police have also issued crime prevention tips.

A spokesperson: "If your vehicle is parked on a driveway or in-front of a garage, you may want to consider installing a CCTV camera covering the area which your vehicle is parked or installing a motion-detector dash-cam.

"It may serve as a deterrent to potential thieves as they know that they will be caught on camera.

"Most burglaries are committed by opportunists. These are often spur-of-the-moment decisions, made when they see valuables left on view or lapses in security.

"Personal items such as mobile phones and tablets, handbags and work tools left somewhere obvious can be an attractive target, so please do take them indoors with you every night.

"Our officers in the community are continuing to follow-up on all reports of thefts from motor vehicles, so please be reassured that we are doing all we can to protect the community and bring these offenders to justice.

"We would urge you to remove all personal belongings from your vehicle each night. While this might seem laborious at the time, it might just save you from becoming a victim of crime.

"If you see anything suspicious, please report it to us directly by calling 101, or via our online reporting portal on the Hampshire Constabulary website.

"As always, if a crime is in progress, please dial 999."