NEARLY 30 cars and vans were broken into over one weekend in Basingstoke.

Valuable items including iPads, phones, wallets, handbags and sat navs, which were left on display in the insecure vehicles, were stolen.

Officers from Basingstoke police station are repeating their warning about leaving valuables in vehicles and the importance of locking your car.

The spate of thefts took place in Chineham, Lychpit, Old Basing and Sherfield-on-Loddon, mainly overnight between Friday, September 6 and the early hours of Monday, September 9.

Chief Inspector Steve Wallace said: “People are leaving cars unlocked with all sorts of valuables inside and on show. Officers have been patrolling in the area in response to this spike in incidents and have reported finding iPads, phones, wallets and handbags left on full view in unlocked cars. It’s absolutely unbelievable.

“Unfortunately, it only takes seconds for someone to open a door and steal your valuables. And there are people who are extremely opportunistic and will even walk along a street trying door handles.

“You also may find that your insurance policy isn’t valid if you have left your vehicle insecure. The simple message is lock it or lose it.

"We'd be interested to hear from anyone in Chineham, Lychpit, Sherfield-on-Loddon or Old Basing who has CCTV cameras outside their homes."

Anyone with information, or those who have been offered items for sale, should call PC Lisa Cooper at Basingstoke CID on 101.

Two men – an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, both from Basingstoke, have been arrested in connection with these incidents. They have both been released on bail until November 13, pending further enquiries.