A warning is being issued to drivers after a growing trend of thefts from vehicles in car parks across the borough.

Thieves are forcing entry to vehicles predominately between 3pm and 11pm on weekdays, with offences at a peak on Wednesdays, with the busiest areas the car parks along Portsmouth Road.

Despite vehicle crime being at its lowest in five years, and an 18.5 per cent reduction on last year’s figures, there have recently been a series of offences at countryside, restaurant, hotel and pub car parks in the borough.

Peter Kipps, community safety partnership manager said: “Vehicles are often targeted as items have been left on display. Even an empty jacket or bag will attract a thief to smash the window in the hope that a wallet or purse is also in the item.

“We would urge motorists to remove all items from display and not attract the opportunist thief.”

The Elmbridge community safety partnership is promoting a campaign to encourage people to report incidents, if someone is acting suspiciously.

To report criminal activity, call Surrey Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.