Cars targeted in series of thefts in Manchester Road, Bright Road and Adlams Lane in Sway

A bicycle was stolen and cars broken into in a series of overnight thefts in Sway.

Police are seeking witnesses and video footage, and have issued security advice, as they continue investigating the four offences committed during last Wednesday night.

A red Cyclo Cross bicycle was taken from outside an address on Buldowne Walk.

Three parked cars were also targeted, with a set of keys snatched from one on Manchester Road, cash and a coat from one on Bright Road; and cash taken from one parked on Adlams Lane.

Urging people to come forward if they can help, a Hampshire police spokesperson said: "Were you in the area at the time of the incidents?

“Do you have CCTV or doorbell footage that could have caught the offender/s in the area?”

Advice issued by police to help prevent people’s vehicles being targeted by thieves, includes always locking them, even if left unattended briefly.

Possessions should not be left on display in unattended vehicles, as well as clues of valuables such as sat nav mounts, cables or suction cup marks on windows.

“Even if they [offenders] can’t see the sat nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight,” the spokesperson warned.

With vans often targeted in tool thefts, those who have to leave tools inside overnight are urged to mark them clearly with their name or company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray.

Number plates can also be secured with tamper-resistant screws to prevent them being stolen.

Anyone with information about the Sway thefts should contact officers online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting crime reference number 44240046103.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.