Motorists warned after break-ins

Officers have urged motorists to lock their vehicles whenever they are unattended following a spate of break-ins.

On Thursday, neighbourhoodofficers announced that over the past three months, over 70 vehicles, which were left in secure, had items stolen from them in Chester le-Street.

Their ongoing investigations found that thieves had tried door handles until they find an unlocked vehicle.

As well as targeting suspects, officers have been carrying out specific patrols in the problem areas.

Police claimed that a small number of people they have spoken to seem to be happy to leave their vehicles unlocked. In response to this, they have released a warning to the public.

Chester-le Street neighbourhood inspector Dave Coxon said: “We can go for weeks without having any thefts from vehicle and overnight see dozens of vehicles targeted.

“This doesn’t need to be a problem, if people lock their vehicles when leaving them, as we know that thieves are only interested in unlocked vehicles. It can be very easy to leave your car unlocked and most residents we have spoken have done so by accident.

“What the others need to consider is that leaving their vehicle insecure not only causes a problem for their neighbours but also can invalidate your insurance.

“For those people who we are repeatedly having to speak to about their vehicle being unlocked, we will be informing them that we can contact their insurers

Anyone with CCTV footage of people trying door handles in the area is asked to contact police on 101.