RESIDENTS and motorists in Dunmow are being urged to “think security” following a string of preventable thefts in the area.

The warning comes on the back of a series of thefts from motor vehicles overnight on Thursday July 8 and the following day.

In more than half the cases, the items stolen were either left on show in the vehicles or were stolen when thieves opened what may have been unlocked car doors.

Sgt Chris Sharp said: “I would ask motorists to take sensible precautions when parking their cars, ensuring that they lock them securely and ensuring that nothing of value is visible through the windows.

“Unfortunately, opportunist thieves may be tempted by seeing items through car windows. In this spree, the thief or thieves may have been walking up and down residential streets looking for cars to steal property from. So please lock your cars and remove anything of value from inside.

• Between 10.30pm on July 8 and 5.30am on July 9, suspects gained entry to a vehicle in Springfields, causing no damage, and stole a satellite navigation system and tools with an estimated value of around �200.

• Between 10pm on July 8 and 7.45am on July 9, suspects gained entry to an insecure vehicle in Spruce Avenue, and stole around �20 in loose change from the central console.

• Between 6pm on July 8 and 8am on July 9, suspects gained entry to a vehicle in The Poplars, causing no damage, and stole a satellite navigation system with an estimated value of around �150.

• Between 4pm on July 8 and 9.45pm on July 9, suspects gained entry to a vehicle in a road near Woodlands Park Drive, causing no damage, and stole coins and stamps with an estimated total value of around �5 from inside.

• Between 9pm on July 8 and 8.30am on July 9, suspects gained entry to a vehicle in a road near Woodlands Park Drive, causing no damage, and stole loose change and a pair of sunglasses, with an estimated total value of around �25.

Sgt Sharp added: “I would ask members of the public who saw or heard anyone acting suspiciously in the streets where these offences took place, to contact officers at Dunmow police station on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”