MOTORISTS are being warned not to leave any in-car gadgets on display in their vehicles after a series of thefts in Eastleigh.

Police are raising the alarm after car thieves have targeted vehicles in the Hedge End area of the Eastleigh borough in a recent spate of smash and grab raids.

Items including expensive satellite navigation systems are attracting opportunist thieves and mobile phones, laptop computers and belongings such as handbags are all being stolen.

Since March 1 this year police in Hedge End have received 18 reports of thefts, many taking place in the Chartwell Green area in recent weeks. Others incidents have taken place all over the Hedge End area and other parts of Eastleigh.

Barbara White, Hampshire crime prevention officer for the Eastleigh Borough Council area said: "It only takes a few seconds for an opportunist thief to smash a vehicles window, reach in and remove these items. "Similarly, it only takes the motorist a few seconds to remove them and eliminate the temptation and risk of becoming a victim of crime."

She added: "The best advice to motorists is not to leave anything of value in their vehicle at any time, especially at night or at any time when parked in remote areas or beauty spot car parks."