LOCK it or lose it – that’s the simple message officers in Basingstoke want people to remember following a spate of thefts from vehicles.

In the past week, officers have received 36 reports of this type of crime where items including handbags, sunglasses and loose change have been stolen.

With officers from Basingstoke’s Neighbourhood Policing Team carrying out targeted patrols in areas around the borough with more covert tactics are being considered.

Sergeant Trevor Taylor said: “In the vast majority of these cases, cars have been left unlocked overnight or items have been left out on display.

“We rarely see reports where thieves have used any sort of device to unlock cars or disarm alarms.

“Thieves in these cases are often opportunistic – if they see something on a car seat, the chances are they will try and take it. If the car is unlocked as well, it makes their job easier.

“Our advice is to always lock your car at night. Try the handle afterwards to make sure it is locked.

“Don’t leave anything in the car – if it’s not there, then it can’t be stolen.”

Officers are keen for car owners to do all they can to protect their property.

Sergeant Taylor added: ““It’s likely that thieves will be on foot or on bicycle at night. Have you seen anyone acting suspiciously? Do you have your own CCTV system and have noticed people tampering with vehicles or acting suspiciously? If so, you can get in touch with local officers by dialling 101.

“Alternatively, if it’s not an emergency, you can email Basingstoke.Town.Police@hampshire.pnn.police.uk and one of the team will get back you are when they are able to do so. In an emergency and if a crime is in progress, always dial 999.”

Hampshire Constabulary has issued the following crime prevention advice: Thefts from vehicles • Don't leave anything in your car.

• Choose a stereo that can be removed and make sure you take it with you! You should also mark it with your registration number or postcode, in case it's stolen.

• Thieves aren't picky, so don't leave even low-value items in your car. Often thieves will smash and grab first and look later to see if what they've stolen is valuable.

• Don't hide it - if you hide items under the seat or in the glove box, chances are someone will have watched you. If you cannot avoid leaving something in your car, put it in your boot before you begin your journey.

• Don't leave valuables in your car even for a minute - it only takes a thief a few seconds to smash a window and get what they want, so don't take the chance.

• Your car isn't safe to be left unlocked on your driveway - nearly half of all incidents where items are stolen from cars happen when they are parked overnight, close to the owner's home.

• Don't leave your house keys or anything with your address on it in your vehicle - someone could steal your keys and then let themselves into your home.

Sat Navs • If it's portable, take the sat nav with you together with the support cradle and suction pads.

• Wipe away any marks left by the suction pads as thieves will look out for these.

• Don't leave your equipment in the glove compartment - thieves usually check here first.

Securing Cars • Always secure your car.

• Always lock your car and wind your windows up, even if you are just posting a letter or going into a petrol station.

• If you are stationary in traffic, keep your doors locked and don't wind your windows too far down - someone could reach in and try to grab something off your passenger seat.

• Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your car - it makes life more difficult for the thief and therefore your car a less tempting target.

• Get a car alarm - they not only deter a thief from stealing the car, but also from stealing items from inside it. Have it fitted by a professional.

• Immobilisers stop the engine from starting if the car is being stolen and they are the best way to stop thieves. Having an immobiliser is a good idea if you have an expensive car, and it might help to reduce your insurance premiums.