THIEVES have been breaking into cars in Claines, Northwick and the Arboretum stealing sat navs, dash cams and glasses.

Police officers have been delivering letters to people living in the areas following the spate of break-ins advising drivers not to leave valuables in cars overnight.

The letters, signed by PC Amanda Gregg, from Arboretum and Claines Safer Neighbourhood team, said: "There have been instances of vehicle crime in your area recently.

"Vehicles have been broken into and valuable stolen from within.

"Please be extra vigilant in relation to leaving valuables in your vehicle.

"If you have witnessed any suspicious persons/vehicles please call our control room on 101 or in an emergency 999.

"Most thefts of this kind have taken place overnight."

Most of the thefts took place between Sunday evening and Tuesday including a Saab broken into in Leabank Drive, Northwick, between 10pm Monday and 9am Tuesday.

Thieves took a TomTom SatNav and money.

Between the same days, thieves went through an unlocked Audi car in Eltric Drive, Claines, and took two pairs of glasses.

The licence plate YD58ETA was stolen from a BMW 1 series car in Lansdowne Crescent between 4.30pm and 7.40pm on Sunday.

Thieves also smashed the windows of a VW Gold parked on Astwood Court and grabbed a dashcam between 1am and 7am on Wednesday, July 20.

If you have any information about any of the crimes call the non-emergency police number on 101.

Police have issued the following advice to car owners:

* Never leave anything on view

* take audio and sat nav equipment with you

* remove the sat nav cradle and wipe away the suction marks

* never leave the car with the engine running, or the keys in the ignition

* fit self-locking screws to prevent number plates being stolen

* always lock your car and fully close windows and sunroofs

* fit anti-theft devices to steering wheels, fuel caps and wheels

* park in safe, well-lit area or secure car parks

* never leave your mobile phone behind when leaving the car

* don't store items in the boot, take them with you

* don't put the stereo in the glove box

* find a safe place for your keyless entry key at home and check to ensure they are out of range of your vehicle