Officers from the Manor Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team are targeting vulnerable vehicles in an attempt to reduce vehicle crime.  

Police officers and partners identify any vehicles with valuable items on display and write to the owners to offer them crime reduction advice.  

It is hoped the scheme will remind people not to leave items in their cars and reduce incidents of thefts.  

PC Andy Jones, Manor Park beat manager, said: "Manor Park remains a very safe place to live and visit but we have had a number of incidents of theft from vehicles and this has been identified as a priority.  

"We are committed to preventing and detecting vehicle crime but we need the help of residents to help us discourage car criminals. Theft from and of a vehicle can happen to anyone and any vehicle, at any time.

 "Ensure you secure your vehicle whenever you leave it, even if it's just for a few minutes. It only takes thieves a few seconds to break into your vehicle.  

"Also, make sure items such as satellite navigation systems, include the cradle, mobile phones, audio equipment and other valuable items are not left on display.  

"Clean the windscreen to remove any suction marks. The smallest indication that there is something worth stealing in the vehicle will encourage the thief."  

Hampshire Constabulary offers the following advice as part of its Safer Vehicles campaign:

• Don't leave anything in your car - if it's not there, it can't be stolen
• Thieves aren't picky, so don't even leave low value items - often thieves will smash and grab first and look later to see if what they've stolen in valuable
• Don't hide items under the seat or in the glove box, which is one of the first places thieves look. If you cannot avoid leaving something in your car, put it in your boot before you begin your journey
• If you are parking on the street, make sure it is in a well lit residential area in public view
• If you are parking in a car park, try not to park close to large objects, such as bottle banks, which hide your vehicle from public view
• If you have a garage, use it and lock it