Devon and Cornwall Police have advised locals to make sure their vehicles are locked and to remove any valuables following a spate of thefts in and around Torquay.
Items such as wallets have been stolen, along with loose change.
There have been a number of reports on social media of thieves gaining access to vehicles by smashing windows.
Police state that they are “heightening their police activity across Kingskerswell and Torquay after receiving numerous reports of thefts and/or attempted thefts from vehicles in the area.”
“Often these are criminals who will steal items to sell for cash,” said Inspector James Johnson who heads up neighbourhood policing teams investigating the incident, “so nothing of value should be left on display when leaving your vehicle, even a coat left on the passenger or back seat may provide an opportunity to a passing thief. The inconvenience that comes with a broken window or other damage can be costly, both in time and in money”.
Police are currently investigating the incidents. Officers would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and secure their vehicles.
Inspector Johnson added: “We would like to reassure the public that we are taking these crimes very seriously. Officers have been carrying out proactive work to identify the suspect(s), including door-to-door enquiries, canvasing the area for CCTV and speaking with local residents.
“People in the local area will see an increase in police presence, both on foot and in vehicles, across the evenings. There are a few reasons why we’re doing this – to either catch the suspect(s) or deter them from committing crime. We also know what a difference our presence can have on helping make communities feel safer, which is another reason why we’re doing this.
“We’re going to be thorough and tough when targeting individuals who are acting suspiciously. Where relevant, officers will be completing stop searches and using their powers of arrest effectively to disrupt criminal behaviour.
“We know the negative impact that these crimes can have on the livelihood of the victims and it will not be tolerated. Our officers will be doing all they can to identify and pursue the people responsible for these thefts.
“I would like to encourage anybody with information, no matter how small, or anyone with footage that may assist investigating officers to please submit a report to us. Your information might just be the missing piece we need,” Insp Johnson added.
The police can be contacted via 101 or their website.
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