Warning after thefts from cars in Madeley

Police today urged car owners to be their guard after a string of vehicles were targeted by thieves in the space of a few hours in the Madeley area of Telford.

Four sat-nav systems and a hands-free telephone touchscreen were stolen from five cars, four of which had been left unlocked.

The thefts all happened between Wednesday night and yesterday morning.

Police are now urging motorists to check and double check their vehicles are safe and secure before they leave them unattended.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Edwards of Telford CID said: "It takes just a few seconds to make sure your vehicle is secure and can save the hassle of thieves helping themselves to things from sat-navs to telephone communication items.

"Please, please, please lock your vehicle, whether you are at home and it's on your drive or if you are going shopping and leaving it on a car park.

"Opportunist thieves are out and about and if you don't lock it you are running the risk of becoming a car theft victim."

The thefts happened at Park Lane, Joseph Rich Avenue, Lees Farm Drive, Bridle Road and Canonbie Lea. Vehicles including a Vauxhall Corsa, a Saab, a Ford Maverick, a Volkswagen Golf and a Saab convertible were targeted.

Information to police on 0300 333 3000.