MOTORISTS WARNED AFTER SPATE OF CAR THEFTS Nr GODALMING

Motorists in the Witley area near Godalming are being advised to be vigilant with car security following a number of thefts from cars in the area earlier this week..

Thieves targeted a number of vehicles which had been left insecure on driveways in the Haslemere Road neighbourhood.

The crimes were committed overnight between 3.30am on Monday, 23 January and 11.30 the following day .

The first offence saw two suspects running away after being disturbed by the homeowner, who had been alerted to their presence by security lights switching on. They are described as two men, each approximately 5ft 11" tall, of slim build, in their twenties and both wearing dark hooded tops.

It was not until later that the resident discovered a satellite navigation system had been stolen from a silver Peugeot.

An iPod nano was stolen from a silver Toyota Yaris sometime between 6pm on Monday and 9am on Tuesday.

And in he the third incident money bags were stolen from the centre console of a white Rangerover and brand new sat nav from a box on the passenger seat of a black Ford Fiesta. The theft happened between 3am and 11.30am on Tuesday.

Police warn that the offences appear to be opportunistic with offenders trying vehicle door handles in a bid to take a chance and grab anything inside. The borough's Crime Reduction Advisor John Robini is keen to alert residents to the issue and is urging drivers to take a few simple precautions to ensure they do not become a victim of such a crime themselves.

He said: "Sometimes it is the most obvious things that residents forget to do when they are busy but it is always worth remembering to take any valuable items out of your car – this can be anything from tools and gardening equipment to laptops, sound systems and sat navs. Anything that can be easily seen or snatched should be taken out of a parked vehicle. "It is similarly easy to forget to lock your car, particularly if it is parked on your own driveway, but it should always be secured. Where possible it is advisable to park an unattended vehicle in a locked garage or, if on the roadside, in an area which is well lit. And finally if you have a car alarm use it and if you have not got one fitted, consider buying one."

Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area or recognise the descriptions of the two suspects is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 quoting WV/12/399. Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.