CAR owners in Woodbridge are again being warned to remember to lock their vehicles and not leave valuables inside after a spate of thefts in the area.The most recent incident happened some time during Monday night or Tuesday morning, when someone broke into a Ford Fiesta parked in Farriers Close, Martlesham.

CAR owners in Woodbridge are again being warned to remember to lock their vehicles and not leave valuables inside after a spate of thefts in the area.

The most recent incident happened some time during Monday night or Tuesday morning, when someone broke into a Ford Fiesta parked in Farriers Close, Martlesham.

A Bosch hedge trimmer and an Atlas Copco portable battery drill were taken from the car some time between 8pm on July 15 and 7am on July 16.

Since the beginning of July there have been 15 thefts from motor vehicles reported to police in the Woodbridge area.

Out of these, 11 have involved the theft of valuable items including handbags, mobile phones, laptop computers and cameras, which have been left unattended inside the vehicles.

Police are now urging motorists to remember to lock their vehicles and never to leave valuables in their cars, even for a short time.

Det Sgt Mick Thompson advised drivers to take any valuables with them, or leave them at home.

"People still valuable items on clear view in their vehicles," he said, "and this is an open invitation for opportunist thieves.

"It's no good 'hiding' a bag or phone in your vehicle. Thieves are aware that you may have stowed them under a seat and it only takes a minute for them to spot them and break in.

"We'd also like to stress that it is important that people report anything suspicious or stolen to police immediately. If they call 999 we can respond quickly and we are more likely to catch offenders."

n Anyone with information about the latest theft or the whereabouts of the tools is asked to contact Pc Craig Adamberry on 01473 613500.