Motorists have been warned to be vigilant after a spate of keyless vehicle thefts in St Albans and Harpenden.

On February 26, a keyless Audi Q7 was stolen overnight in Moreton End Lane in Harpenden.

On Monday, March 5, a keyless BMV X5 was stolen overnight in Claudian Place in St Albans, and a keyless Volvo XC90 was stolen in Samian Gate in St Albans.

In the past five weeks, there has been 25 interference of motor vehicles where offender(s) have tried door handles and boots of vehicles parked on driveways.

"Most of the thefts of motor vehicles in St Albans and Harpenden are keyless and most thieves are opportunist, so will choose a car that is easy to steal," said St Albans Detective Inspector Ady Lysak.

"You can easily help reduce the chance of your vehicle being targeted by keeping the vehicle and spare key away from the vehicle and use a signal-blocking bag such as a faraday bag.

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"Turn off the wireless signal on the vehicle fob when it is parked. Make sure doors and windows are securely locked. It is also a good idea to use a steering wheel lock or tracker device.

"Consider investing in CCTV or doorbell cameras and security lights."

There has also been 24 thefts from motor vehicles reported in St Albans, Harpenden and London Colney.

Cash was stolen from a vehicle parked in New House Park overnight on March 4, a bank card and keys for another vehicle were stolen from a vehicle parked in Hart Road in St Albans, overnight on March 1, and items were stolen from a vehicle parked in College Road, St Albans, overnight on February 20.

"We believe some residents have left their vehicles insecure after unloading shopping or taking children out of the car and forgetting to lock their vehicles," DI Lysak added. 

"If vehicles are locked, offenders tend to quickly move on, so this crime is easily preventable.

Please remember to remove all valuables including handbags, manbags, loose change, sunglasses, mobile phones and laptops – and securely lock your vehicle.

"Try and park in a well-lit area or garage if possible and consider investing in security lights or CCTV or dash cams."

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.