POLICE have warned this week of the issue of thefts from motor vehicles across Basingstoke.

Officers issued a warning on the Hampshire Alert system saying there is still instances of thefts from vehicles, usually taking place overnight.

Police said thefts of steering wheels have been taking place in the south of the town in the Hatch Warren, Brighton Hill and Beggarwood areas which investigators feel may be part of a more organised picture.

Police said there were just under ten offences of this kind in the past few months.

Unlocked vehicles are also being targeted with items stolen from within them, mainly in and around the Popley, Oakridge, Chineham and Sherfield Park areas.

The warning added oficers have also had some thefts from work vans with tools being the target.

The warning read: “Most offences have been overnight but mainly in the early hours of the morning.

“Our local neighbourhood team is employing many differing tactics to address these issues along with stepping up local patrols in line with ongoing investigations.

“The one thing which assists the most is where members of the public have had activations of their home CCTV and have contacted us to report this. The images provide a significant help in identifying suspects and we ask that even if you aren’t the victim of a crime that you may still hold vital images which could assist us. Many CCTV systems have notifications which if checked may show persons.

“Please ensure that your vehicles are locked with any valuables removed from sight.”