Residents have been warned that thefts from vehicles are on the rise in a number of Southampton streets. 

Police say items such as a portable speaker, a phone, a purse and power tools have been stolen from vehicles in the last week alone.

It has been reported that offenders have been seen removing license plates on Cheriton Avenue and Prince of Wales Avenue.

These incidents have taken place overnight and in the early hours of the morning.

The roads that have been targeted in the last three days:

  • Westridge Road,
  • Asturias Way,
  • Highfield Close,
  • Dunkirk Road,
  • Belvedere Road,
  • Shakespeare Avenue,
  • Andes Close,
  • Sirdar Road,
  • Brading Close,
  • Sandhurst Road,
  • Kent Road,
  • St Monica Road,
  • Laburnum Road,
  • Cunningham Crescent,
  • Brading Close,
  • Ancasta Road,
  • Broadlands Road,
  • Westridge Road,
  • Radstock Road,
  • Woodside Road.

A spokesperson for the police said: “We believe that some of these instances will have been opportunistic, while some have possibly been targeted attempts.

“We have responded to these reports by implementing targeted patrols across the affected areas and will continue with these as we investigate the reports made to us.”

The police have offered advice on the best ways Southampton residents can protect their vehicles from theft.

Always lock your vehicle

The spokesperson added: “Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured.

Take it with you or hide it

The police said that mobile phones or sunglasses are irresistible to the opportunist thief. It also stated that the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what is stolen.

Tool theft from vans

Residents are also being warned about leaving tools in a van overnight.

The police said it is a good idea to mark them clearly with your name, company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray.

Secure your number plates

The spokesperson continued: “Using security, tamper-resistant screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number.