POLICE are warning car owners to be alert after 16 thefts from vehicles were reported in the Devizes, Marlborough and Pewsey areas in the past two weeks.
Community support officer Sam Burnside said: "Six of these have occurred where the vehicle was left unlocked or insecure overnight and a further four have had windows of the vehicles smashed to gain entry after items such as sat navs or handbags were left on show inside the vehicle.
"Please ensure that all vehicles are locked and no items are left on show inside the vehicle in order to help prevent these crimes occurring."
He said six of the thefts involved tools being stolen from vans parked overnight where the locks have been forced. Owners were told to try and park vehicles in a garage if possible.
A police spokesman said: "Wiltshire Police are actively patrolling known areas where these thefts take place as one of our community priorities, but taking simple steps to help safeguard your vehicle will help prevent these crimes from taking place."
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