RESIDENTS in a Worcester area are being urged by police to take further steps to protect their vehicles.

Following a number of vehicles in Warndon being targeted by thieves, Worcester Police are warning people not to leave items in their cars and vans overnight.

The first of four incidents took place between 7pm on Saturday, March 29 and 8.30am on Sunday, March 30, in Stanway Close, Blackpole.

A cordless drill worth £60 was stolen from white Ford transit van.

A Tomtom sat nav worth £150 was stolen from a yellow Proton Jumbuck GL pick-up truck during the second incident.

It took place in Prestbury Close between 1am and 6am on Sunday, March 30.

A blue Ford Mondeo was targeted in the third incident in which a black IBM laptop worth £1,500 was stolen.

A £200 black and grey Hewlett Packard printer was also taken along with a Fuji Finepix camera worth £150 and a £140 Vodafone memory card.

The fourth incident took place in Homestead Avenue, Wall Meadow, between 7pm on Sunday, April 13 and 9.30am the following day.

An Apple iPod MP3 player, a wallet containing bank and ID cards and a driving licence were all stolen from a red Citroen Saxo.

Geographical Inspector for Worcester, Andy Smith, said he hoped the latest thefts would act as a warning to residents who ignore advice given by police.

"People continue to leave valuable items in their vehicles such as laptop computers and MP3 players - ideal targets for opportunistic thieves," he said.

"Over the month we have seen an increase in thefts from vehicles and, although vehicle crime is low in South Worcestershire, this is an increase we do not want to see again wherever possible."

Simple steps to protect your vehicle include removing all valuables and personal belongings, taking away sat-navs and their cradles, checking your car and window is locked and parking in well-lit areas.

Anyone with information on the above incidents or would like to speak to their Local Policing Officer should call Worcester Police on 08457 444 888.