A SPATE of car break-ins hit the Chiltern district earlier this week, prompting a warning from police for motorists to keep their vehicles secure.

The cars which were parked in Moat Lane, Prestwood, Chalfont Road in Seer Green and Frith Hill in South Heath all had windows smashed and belongings stolen from inside on Wednesday night.

Det Insp Ian Jarvis, leading the investigation, said: “We are working hard to find whoever is responsible and prevent any more from happening.

“Most thieves are opportunists and we want to make it as hard as possible for them to be able to offend.

“I don’t want to cause unnecessary alarm but it is important to be aware that if you leave a jacket on the back seat, a thief might think there is something of value underneath or if you leave a mark from a sat nav on the windscreen they might break in to your car to see if the equipment is in there.

“This might sound insignificant but to have your car broken into and know that someone has looked through your belonging can be distressing. It not only feels intrusive but can also be inconvenient and expensive to have windows replaced.”

Motorists in Aylesbury have also been warned to be on their guard after a separate spate of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles in the area.

They were taken from a number of delivery vehicles at a compound at the Tesco Extra store on Broadfields in Aylesbury between 4am and 6.20am on Monday.

Anyone with any information about any of these crimes can contact Thames Valley Police on 101. If you don’t want to speak to police and don’t want to leave your name call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.