MOTORISTS are being advised to take more care with their possessions following a spate of thefts from vehicles in Hartlepool.

The warning comes after 15 reports of thefts took place in the town overnight of Thursday, March 30 into the following morning.

A man aged in his twenties has been arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle. He remains in police custody.

During the month of March, there were 159 victims of theft from motor vehicles across the town.

Inspector Mal Suggitt, from Hartlepool Neighbourhood Team, said: “The majority of the incidents we have seen involve suspects simply trying door handles until they find vehicles that have been left open. Items such as keys to other vehicles, BB guns, credit cards, sports items, laptops, iPads and wallets containing hundreds of pounds in cash have been stolen.”

Officers have carried out a number of arrests in connection with the offences.

Anyone with information about the latest incidents can call Cleveland Police on 101.