PORTISHEAD police have launched an awareness campaign to help reduce thefts from vehicles in the town, after the Village Quarter area was targeted by thieves.

Leaving valuables on display has been blamed for many of the incidents, while failing to lock doors and leaving windows open have also contributed to the spate of thefts.

Sergeant Jim Robinson said: “We want motorists to be more aware of the threat of goods being stolen from their vehicles, leaving valuables on display is like putting them in a shop window for the thieves.”

Cards are being handed out to residents to display in their cars, telling would-be thieves no valuables have been left inside. The cards also act as a reminder to the motorists to remove all their valuables from sight.

Most of the incidents involved items such as wallets, bags and cash being taken from visible parts of the vehicles.

Sgt Robinson added: “We are confident the culprits will be brought to justice for these crimes but that does not help the victims deal with their loss, the feeling of violation and the inconvenience it causes. People need to take precautions to reduce the chances of this type of crime happening.”