MOTORISTS in the Steventon, Milton and Blewbury area are being warned by police to take their laptops with them when parking in the area following a series of thefts from cars.

Five lap tops have been stolen over the last eight weeks - the most recent being on Monday and Tuesday.

Two were stolen from the car park of Milton Hill House training centre on Milton Hill, one from Steventon House Hotel car park at Milton Hill, one from the High Street in Steventon, and one in London Road, Blewbury. A handbag was also stolen from a car at The Park Club Gym car park in Milton.

PC Ben Peach, of the Vale Priority Crime Team, said: "We would always advise people never to leave valuables in their cars wherever they park.

"Even if you think your laptop is hidden, thieves may be watching and may see you hide it. It is safer just to take anything of value with you.

"We believe theses incidents could be linked. In each case the back windscreen was smashed to gain access to the property inside the cars.

"Most of the cars targeted were new and expensive and we believe they are being targeted deliberately in the hope that there will be more valuable property inside. If you have any information or know who could be responsible then please contact me."

Call PC Peach via 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.