THIEVES have stolen items including money and mobile phones in a series of thefts from unlocked cars parked in Peel in the last few days.

It has prompted police to issue a warning to car owners to ensure their vehicles are locked at all times when not in use, even during daylight hours.

Peel police are currently making enquiries about the “numerous” instances where vehicles have been entered overnight in the area of Kerroo Coar, Rheast Bridson and the Reayrt ny Cronk estates.

During the same time a vending machine at the Peel camp site has been tipped over and the rear of the unit damaged.  

In all cases so far, vehicles which have been left unlocked have been entered and property taken. The stolen property includes mobile phone, sat nav systems, wallets, cheque books, keys and the fronts of car stereo systems.

A number of items of stolen property have also been found on the ground in the estates and are even turning up in other vehicles.

PC Ian Scott said, “It seems clear at this time from property that has been recovered from the pavements and roadways in the area that there are still likely to be a number of other persons affected by this spate of thefts that have not yet reported the matter.

“If anyone has left their vehicle insecure in these areas overnight then there is a strong possibility that it has been entered and I would ask those people to check their vehicles and report any crime as soon as possible to Peel Police Station. We would also ask that anyone who may have seen any persons in the areas overnight or who has any information to also contact us.

“It also serves as a reminder that of the offences reported so far relating to vehicles, all could have been prevented if people had taken the basic precaution of securing their vehicles.

“Insurance companies will often not pay out if it is shown that basic crime prevention measures have not been taken by the owner and I would appeal to people to lock their vehicles overnight.”