Make sure you keep your vehicles and property secure.

That’s the message from the police after a recent increase in car theft.

Force Crime Prevention Officer Mike Radcliffe says the days of leaving cars unlocked are gone and while the Island remains a relatively safe place to live, residents tend to be complacent and forget to take simple preventative measures.

He is urging the public to lock all doors, windows and sunroofs every time a car is left unattended, remove ignition keys and never leave anything on display in vehicles.

He also says radio and CD players with removable fascias should be removed and everybody should consider marking valuables with their postcodes and keeping a note of any serial numbers.