THIEVES have been targetting vehicles in Runcorn.

Mobile phones, handbags, lap tops and sat nav systems have been stolen in spate of thefts in Ascot Avenue and Cheltenham Crescent.

Extra officers are patrolling the area but motorists are being warned to make sure they lock their cars and don’t leave valuables on show.

Phil Buckley, crime reduction advisor for Halton Police said: “People are still inadvertently leaving vehicles insecure leaving it simple for offenders to gain access to the vehicle to steal property inside.

“Even if the vehicle is locked, valuable items left on display will attract opportunistic thieves who will think nothing of smashing the vehicle’s window and making off with your property.

“Thefts of such items can be avoided if motorists just taken a second to think about their vehicle’s security before leaving it unattended.

“It’s not enough to just lock the car in the hope that thieves won’t see your valuable belongings. If you can see them, the thief can see them and the chances are they won’t be there when you return to your vehicle. You wouldn’t leave a wallet with cash hanging out of it on the dashboard or seats in full view so please don’t leave your valuables.”

Anyone with information can call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.