A POLICE force have issued guidance to vehicle-owners after an increase in car thefts.

Cleveland Police are reminding owners to ensure valuables are not left on display and doors are locked after a spate of break-ins across Redcar.

The area has seen a sudden increase in vehicle break-ins, with four out of seven offences on insecure vehicles and two being gained by unknown access.

Police suggest removing valuable items, such as Sat Navs, mobile phones, handbags and vehicle documents, when the vehicle is unattended or fit a security device to prevent their theft.

The force also advise owners to remove all signs of valuables such as suction marks from Sat Navs on windscreen and removing ignition keys when parked or filling up at a garage.

Anyone with any information of vehicle crime can contact the police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.