Thieves are targeting cars with valuables openly on display according to the latest statistics.

Police figures show there were 1,303 Theft from Motor Vehicle incidents in the year to December 2017, more than half of which had items openly on display.

Inspector Ed McDonagh, from Richmond Police, said: “Analysis of local offences shows in excess of 50 per cent of theft from motor vehicles occur as a result of property being left on display.

“I urge residents to lock vehicles and ensure all valuables are either removed from the vehicle or are hidden from view.

“We continue to target motor vehicle offences through proactivity, analysis of crime trends and distribution of crime prevention advice.”

Councillor Mark Boyle, cabinet member for community safety, said: “Whilst Richmond upon Thames remains one of the safest boroughs in London we are still concerned about the number of incidents where people have had items stolen from their cars.

“We ask that residents exercise caution and common sense by not leaving their valuables like wallets, laptops, phones and sunglasses on open display in their parked cars. Doing so just invites thieves to smash their way into cars and vans.

“Check your vehicles for these items before you go into your property and take them with you, so they don’t attract the attention of would be thieves.”