Police checks found that 27 car doors had been left unlocked in Redbourn, despite residents being made aware that thefts from vehicles were on the rise.

Officers from your local Safer Neighbourhood Team were out on Tuesday night checking doors to help prevent further thefts, with more than 350 inspected in Rose Acre, Lybury Lane, Tassell Hall, Crown Street, Cumberland Drive, The Square and Rainbow Close between 7pm and 9pm.

"We spoke to all 27 owners, who were all aware of the recent thefts from motor vehicles locally and shocked that their cars were open," said Neighbourhood Sergeant Mark Essam. 

"Most opportunist thieves will try a car door and quickly move on. The best advice is to remove all your belongings and securely lock your car. Lock it – or lose it.

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"It is also advisable to invest in CCTV or a doorbell camera to act as a deterrent."

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around a vehicle, please contact us. If you suspect a crime may be in progress, call 999.

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.