Ten vehicles were targeted by thieves in the Great Ashby area of Stevenage in the early hours of Wednesday morning and police are now appealing for witnesses and information.

Police believe the offences took place between midnight and 5am.

Items stolen include laptop bags, shopping bags full of new clothes, sunglasses, car keys for other vehicles and cash.

Cars were targeted on Dove Road, Old Bourne Way, Tamar Close, Tees Close, Swale Close, Wensom Road

and Nevis Road.

Detective Sergeant Ian Sheridon said: “We are experiencing high levels of vehicle crime in the town at the moment and again we are appealing for people not to leave items of any value in their vehicle, as is just a green light to thieves. As we have seen here, thieves will take almost anything that is left on display.

“I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to take your valuables with you when you leave your vehicle. Even if they do not cost that much to replace, these drivers have now got to go to through the hassle of getting doors and windows repaired and claiming on their insurance.

“Some of the vehicles that have been targeted have not been damaged and might have been left unlocked. Please make sure you secure your vehicle when you leave it, don’t give thieves at easy ride.”

If you were in the area at the time and witnessed the thefts, or saw anyone behaving suspiciously, contact DS Ian Sheridan on 101 quoting crime reference number E1/17/9975 or report information online at www.herts.police.uk/report. Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.S