THIEVES went on a wrecking spree stealing cash and smashing the windows of taxis across Southampton.

All the taxis were targeted in the Woolston area of the city and most of them had their windows smashed before being looted of valuables.

The spree of break-ins all occurred during the night over the course of just two days with the taxis less than two miles away from each other.

Police are now advising taxi drivers to remain vigilant and not leave valuables on show in their cars.

One theft in Swift Road left the driver’s window of a silver Vauxhall Vectra smashed and around £20 in cash stolen.

Two break-ins occurred in Porchester Road, one involving a blue Citroen Dispatch where a front window was shattered, and the second target being a silver Citroen Xsara where the passenger’s window was broken and a box of aftershave taken from the glove compartment.

Another theft occurred in Weston Grove Road, where £60 was stolen from a white Peugeot after the driver’s window was smashed.

A further two cars were targeted in Manor Road North as both passenger windows of a grey Citroen Dispatch were shattered and the glove compartment of a silver Peugeot Expert was searched. Finally in Lower Mortimer Road, the passenger side window of a white Vauxhall Astra was broken but nothing was taken.

Les Cummins, co-director of the taxi firm Bitterne Cars, said: “We have not had any problems with our cars but it is quite disturbing because the majority of our drivers are based in the Woolston area. It is worrying if the cars are being broken into if they are parked up at the driver’s home.”

The 54-year-old from Woolston added: “We are quite fortunate as the majority of our customers are regulars who we know.”

Following the break-ins between November 14 and 16, Hampshire police have advised taxi drivers to keep their vehicles secure by parking in a garage or a well lit area and not leaving anything on display.

PC Sophie Hill said: “We are urging taxi drivers in the area not to leave anything of value in their vehicles overnight.

“If you saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of these thefts or have information relating to any of them please get in touch.”

Call PC Hill on 101, quoting 44150397816, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.