RESIDENTS and parents are asked to be vigilant after around a dozen vehicles in the Fens, Rosmere and Greatham areas of Hartlepool had their badges ripped from them.

Many different makes, including Ford, VW, MINI, Suzuki and SEAT, and all ages of car were targeted mainly on Wednesday, March 18 to Thursday 19 and police are asking parents to check that their child has not been involved in this.

Police are making inquiries into the thefts with a number of lines of enquiry to follow up. Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to contact PC Dave Myers via the non emergency number 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.