POLICE are investigating a spate of thefts of Ford Fiesta vehicles.

Since the beginning of February 2019, 12 Ford Fiesta ST range cars have been stolen across the Cleveland Police force area and five of these have been found or recovered by police.

On Sunday, March 10. an orange Ford Fiesta ST 2 Turbo, one of only 200 in the UK, was stolen from the Berwick Hills area of Middlesbrough.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "We would appeal for any sightings of this stolen vehicle, as well as information on the whereabouts of other stolen Fiesta ST Lines.

"Please contact Middlesbrough CID via the 101 number, quoting Operation Matlock Event 40937.

"If you don’t want to speak to police, you can pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers via its website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111."

Tips being offered include advising people to use a good quality steering lock, purchasing a fob blocking bag and ensure your car is locked.