A RECENT spate of burglaries and thefts from motor vehicles and homes has prompted a warning from South Wales Police for people to lock items out of sight and secure their properties.

Deborah Elward, crime reduction tactical advisor, for South Wales Police said: “It goes without saying that things like handbags, shopping, coats, wallets, mobile phones and laptops should never be left in the vehicle.

"Any portable Satnavs should be left in a locked boot, together with its cradle when leaving the car. Any suction cup marks on the windscreen should be wiped away as their presence indicates to any thief that you may have a device, such as a satnav, hidden in the glove compartment.

“In relation to burglaries ensure you lock your doors and windows when you go out. If you have an alarm make sure you set it both when you go out and when you go to bed. Leave a light on when it’s dark and make use of timer switches for lamps when you are out in the evening."

South Wales Police would like to hear from anyone who has recently been offered expensive items in suspicious circumstances, especially laptops, Satnavs, designer sunglasses and IPods.

Anyone with any information of thefts or burglaries in their area should call South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively you can give information via the Crimestoppers website www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.