Police are urging residents across North Hertfordshire, including Hitchin, to double-check their vehicle security following a spate of thefts from cars in nearby Royston.

Officers received three reports of thefts from vehicles in the Rose Walk, Lower Gower Road and Eliot Road areas of Royston. All incidents are believed to have taken place overnight between Sunday 4 January and Monday 5 January.

Sergeant John Hickmott from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team said officers are reminding residents "of the importance of vehicle security and to ensure you do not keep anything valuable in them, or on show, which could attract thieves."

Advice for Hitchin and North Herts motorists

While the incidents were reported in Royston, police are encouraging drivers in Hitchin and surrounding villages to remain vigilant and follow some simple steps to reduce the risk of becoming a target:

• Always lock your vehicle and close windows whenever it's left unattended.
• Remove keys from the ignition, even for short stops or when de-icing in cold weather.
• Keep keys out of sight at home and avoid leaving them near doors or window sills where they could be hooked through a letterbox.
• Store keys in a signal-blocking pouch (such as a Faraday bag) and test it every few months to make sure it still works.
• Never leave valuables in your car, including in the glove box or boot, and keep all belongings out of sight.
• Don't store vehicle documents inside the car, which can make it easier for thieves to sell or justify possession of a stolen vehicle.
• Use visible security measures like steering wheel locks or gear clamps, and activate alarms and immobilisers where fitted.
• Secure number plates with locking screws, which are often targeted by criminals.
• Register property such as stereos, laptops and sat navs on the free online database Immobilise.
• Cover number plates when advertising vehicles for sale online to prevent cloning.

How to report information

Anyone with information about the incidents, or who notices suspicious behaviour in their area, can report it online via Hertfordshire Constabulary at herts.police.uk/report, use online web chat, or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Residents in Hitchin are encouraged to share this advice with neighbours and keep an eye out for one another, particularly during the winter months when vehicles are more often left unattended overnight.