HAMPSHIRE Constabulary is urging people to be vigilant after a spate of vehicle crime.

Alton has seen a sharp increase in such offences, with a police spokesman confirming that 17 incidents were recently reported in a single night.

Reports of vehicle crime flooded in from Alton on September 27, including 12 reports of theft from a vehicle, two reports of tampering, and two reports of a person acting suspiciously.

Roads targeted by the crooks included Whitedown Lane, Wentworth Gardens, Spitalfields Road, Lipscombe Rise, Draymans Way, Epsom Down, Borovere Lane, Haydock Close, Helen’s Close, Nursery Road, Lansdowne Road, Finches Green and Musgrove Gardens.

Items stolen included a laptop, which was removed from an unlocked vehicle, two iPods, two bags, sunglasses, cigarettes, a sat-nav, bank cards and loose change.

A 14-year-old boy from Southsea, arrested on suspicion of attempted theft of a car, has been released from custody but remains under investigation.

Alton police have sent letters to residents in the roads that have been targeted, urging them to ensure that they take measures to avoid further thefts.

A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “Always lock your car, wind up the windows and close the sunroof, even if you’re only leaving it for a few minutes. You should also double check that it’s locked before leaving. It only takes a few seconds for your valuables to be stolen from an unlocked car.”

Anyone with information on these incidents should call 101, quoting reference 44170375633. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.