Warning issued after new spate of Stevenage car thefts

Residents are being urged to empty their cars following another spate of break-ins.

Police in Stevenage are appealing to local residents to make sure they remove everything from their cars when they leave them at night, following another spate of car break-ins in the town.

Overnight on Sunday and yesterday (Monday) another eight vehicles were targeted in the Old Town area, in York Road, Letchmore Road, Lonsdale Road, Ellis Avenue, Archer Road and Upper Sean. Some of the vehicles had been left unsecure.

The items taken include loose change, coats, books, trousers, rucksacks, laptop bags and paperwork.

Detective Sergeant Pheobe Butfoy said: “It now appears that thieves are just taking whatever they can find in vehicles, so we cannot stress enough that you need to remove all items from your car when you leave it at night, particularly valuable items. If you leave anything on display you are inviting thieves to chance their luck.

“We area also asking residents to be extra vigilant, check your car if you hear an alarm going off and report any suspicious activity immediately.

“There is also a good chance that your car insurance will be invalid if your vehicle has been left insecure, meaning you would not be able to claim on your insurance for any of the items stolen and it could also affect your no claims policy.”

The thefts follow a previous spate of thefts occurring on Weston Road, Whitesmead Road, Fairview Road, Chambers Gate and Grove Road in February.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on the non-emergency number 101.