OFFICERS are appealing for residents to be vigilant following a spate of unsecure vehicles being targeted in the Appleton Thorn and Stretton areas.

Over the past week, there have been several reports of unsecure vehicles being broken into in the area.

Officers are now urging residents to stay vigilant and follow key advice in order to best protect themselves from becoming a victim of this type of crime.

Sergeant, Gareth Kerr, said: "The number of incidents will understandably cause some alarm to residents but I would like to reassure you that we are doing all we can to track down the offenders and bring them to justice.

"There are several lines of enquiry that we are following including house to house and CCTV.

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"Although we are doing everything we can to apprehend those responsible, I would ask residents to follow some top tips which will help protect them falling foul to these criminals."

The police have offered some key advice:

• Make sure that your vehicle is locked whenever you are not in it and that you have not left any doors, windows or the sunroof open.

• Lock gates to deter offenders getting to the rear of your property.

• Where feasible install CCTV.

• If you have electronic car keys, keep them in a security pouch when you are not using them to prevent them from being scanned by thieves to open and steal your vehicle nearby

• If your keyless entry fob can be turned off, and your dealer can confirm this, then do so overnight

• Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your car – always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away, and if you are unsure you should lock it manually and then scan the immediate area for anyone hanging around

• Fitting a Sold Secure steering wheel, gear lever or clutch pedal security device can give your vehicle added protection and deter thieves

• Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can be accessed without a thief needing to open the vehicle doors, boot or bonnet, but which can unlock and start your car. If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.

Sergeant Kerr added: “I urge residents if they see any suspicious activity report it to us so that we can investigate further.

"I would also like to appeal to anyone who may have information about recent incidents in Warrington to get in touch by calling Cheshire Constabulary on 101."

Information can also be reported to Cheshire Police online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously