POLICE are warning drivers to check their vehicle security after a spate of mystery thefts from cars.

Over the past two weeks nine cars in Stevenage have been hit, with sat navs, a wallet, work tools, a digital camera, an iPod and hundreds of CDs among the items stolen. One vehicle interior was sprayed with cream and barbeque sauce.

A Herts police spokesman said none of the cars, which were parked overnight in roads across the town, appeared to have been opened by force.

Stevenage Detective Inspector Gary Atkinson said: “Some of the owners have conceded they may have left their cars unlocked overnight. Until it happens to you, car security might not be top of your list – but it’s not worth the risk, not to mention the distress, of having things stolen from your car.”

He advised motorists to double check doors are locked and windows and sunroofs shut, remove all valuables from the car, including sat navs, and remember to set the alarm and immobiliser.