POLICE have warned drivers to keep their cars locked when unattended after a spate of thefts.

Cleveland Police said there were 14 thefts and attempted thefts from vehicles in the Nunthorpe area of Middlesbrough on Monday/Tuesday of this week.

The majority had been left insecure.

Two satellite navigation systems were stolen as well as a small amount of cash, valuable sunglasses and house keys.

Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Thacker, from Middlesbrough volume crime team, said: “We are conducting a number of CCTV enquiries in the area to identify those responsible for these incidents.

“Whether those responsible have pre-planned their crimes or been opportunistic and approached these vehicles on the off-chance of finding something valuable, keeping a vehicle locked could be a simple preventative measure which could stop someone from becoming a victim of crime."

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.