VEHICLE owners are being urged by police to check their cars are locked after a spate of thefts in Hartlepool.

So far this month, 21 vehicles have been broken into, 17 of which had been left insecure.

The incidents have happened across the West Park, Bishop Cuthbert, Throston and Seaton areas.

One vehicle in Bishop Cuthbert was stolen using the spare key, which had been left inside the VW Tiguan. Items including cash, wallets, bank cards, groceries, perfume, watches, sunglasses, e-cigarettes, satellite navigation systems and hairdressing equipment have all been taken.

Detective Inspector Chris Barker, from Hartlepool Volume Crime Team, said: “Opportunist thieves will always seize a chance to steal and leaving a vehicle open makes it easier for them to take people’s belongings.

“I would advise people to ensure that their vehicles are locked, even when pressing the central locking button, as criminals will go along a street trying door handles to find one that is open.”

  • Enquiries are ongoing in relation to the thefts and anyone with information is asked to contact Hartlepool Volume Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.