Warning to Bristol motorists after spate of break-ins

Police are warning motorists to garage their cars overnight after a spate of break-ins and vehicle thefts.

Darker evenings have led to a rise in car crime and police have identified hotspots including Bradley Stoke, Chipping Sodbury, Downend, Filton, Frenchay, Kingswood, Patchway, Stoke Gifford and Yate. Thieves smash windows and bend doors to get into the vehicles to steal laptops, mobile phones, satellite navigation systems, audio equipment and tools.

Throughout September neighbourhood teams ran a campaign issuing crime prevention advice to motorists and saw thefts from cars go down, as drivers acted on the advice. Now thefts are creeping up again.

Community Safety Inspector Mark Hedgcock said: "Police Community Support Officers will be running the Vulnerable Vehicle Scheme throughout November – checking cars and writing to the owners if they have left them unlocked or with property on display."

To keep your car safe:

Always lock up and set the alarm or immobiliser.

Park in a garage if you can, and if not find a well-lit, busy area.

Clear out your car.

Register your valuables on www.immobilise.com – it's free, secure and checked by police across the country.