Merseyside Police have issued advice to homeowners after several cars were targeted by thieves in Cressington on Wednesday night.
A number of different reports, on the same evening, detailed items being stolen from cars in the Cressington area.
A report was received that someone had opened the door of a BMW parked outside an address non Fairacre Road between 1-7.30am on Wednesday. Nothing was taken from the car.
The same night on the same road – between 2-4am – a blue Skoda Octavia estate was targeted and a Toshiba laptop, cash and bank cards taken.
A report was received that Nike running clothes, Ralph Lauren polo shirts and a Mulberry diary had been taken from a Mini Countryman car on Lovelace Road between 7pm on Tuesday 16 January and 8am on Wednesday 17 January.
A second theft from a car was reported on Lovelace Road, which happened between 3-8.30am on Wednesday. An Apple computer and cash had been taken from a parked car.
Inspector Andy Wignall said: “We would like to reassure the community that we are working to identify the people responsible.
“I would urge local residents to ensure their cars and houses are as secure as possible and do not leave valuables in cars overnight.
“Check car doors as well as front doors, windows and garage doors to prevent becoming easy targets. It is also a good idea to leave any keys safely out of sight. Once you get into the habit of doing a quick check it doesn’t take much time at all and can save you a lot of distress in the long run.
“If you have a garage use it, or if you park on a driveway ensure you close your gates at night and consider putting an obstruction such as your wheelie bin in front of your vehicle.
“Always put your car keys out of sight and if possible use a steering wheel lock on your vehicle, which are unappealing to thieves looking to make a fast getaway.
“We believe these were opportunist thefts, and these criminals are looking for the easiest and least confrontational way to steal items from vehicles, so anything you can do to make it harder for them means you are less likely to fall victim.
“We all need to be vigilant. If you see anyone acting suspiciously report it to the police. These offenders will need to walk up driveways to look through doors and windows to see if there are keys in sight of a door or window. If you notice any such behaviour contact the police on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.”
Anyone who recognises the car, or has information in relation to this offence or burglaries in general is asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. If you are reporting a crime in progress, call 999.