DRIVERS are being urged to lock their car doors after thefts from three unlocked vehicles in one town since the start of the year.

The cars targeted were all in Loughton. The first theft was overnight between January 1 and 2, when a sat nav was taken from an unlocked silver Volkswagen Touran in Wellfields.

The following day, January 2, a sat nav, Nikon binoculars and Timberland gloves were stolen from a black Audi A4 that was left unlocked in Debden Green.

A red Mercedes was searched after it was left open in Debden Road between 11.30pm on January 2 and 9am the following day, although nothing was taken.

In the early hours of January 4, a Sony sat nav was taken from an unlocked black Toyota in Cleland Path.

Essex Police's crime reduction officer, Tony Ellis, said: “Lock all doors and windows whenever you leave your vehicle unattended, even for a short time. If you leave your vehicle insecure and it is stolen, you may find your insurer will not pay out.

“It is very important not to leave valuables on display, especially when the vehicle is unattended.

“Even an old jacket left on a seat is a target for thieves, on the chance there is a purse or wallet in one of the pockets.”

Anyone with information on any of the thefts should call Loughton police station on 0300 3334444.