POLICE are urging car owners to be vigilant after a spate of break-ins.

Five cars in the past three days have been broken into in Eaglescliffe and Yarm.

In each case, thieves removed the locking nuts and the jack from the boot and stole the alloy wheels.

The cars were then left resting on the spare wheels and the jack.

Four of the incidents took place overnight on Thursday.

Police are urging owners to keep their cars secure, and preferably keep them in a garage overnight.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call Cleveland Police on 01642-326326 or 0800-555111.