Warning after cars targeted overnight in Tunbridge Wells

Car owners in Tunbridge Wells are being reminded to remove valuable items and keep vehicles secure to deter opportunist thieves.

The advice comes after a number of reported overnight thefts and attempted thefts in High Brooms and Southborough.

Theft

Between 10 and 11 May, sunglasses and cash were reported stolen from a car in Colebrook Road and at around 9.15pm on 16 May, a suspect was seen trying to get into a car parked on a driveway in Woodland Road.

A group of young people were also reported to be trying car door handles in Draper Street during the early hours of 17 May. Later that morning, the owner of a car left overnight in Hopwood Gardens found somebody had searched the glovebox but had left empty-handed.

Inspector David Higham of the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Unit said: ‘We suspect opportunist thieves may be visiting the area during the hours of darkness looking for insecure cars or vehicles with expensive items on show.

‘While we are investigating these offences, I would urge car owners to make sure you lock all doors and close windows whenever you leave the vehicle. Never leave anything valuable on display and if possible remove it from the car overnight.

‘My officers continue to patrol these areas and I would urge anybody who sees someone on foot or in a vehicle acting suspiciously to contact us.’

Can you help?

Anyone with information should call 01622 604100, quoting crime reference 46/84322/19.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form.