Car thieves in Sutton are being given an 'easy target' by owners not locking their vehicles, police say.

Police said a car thief has recently been jailed but they are still getting reports of thefts.

They say some of these have occurred from people leaving their cars unlocked.

“It is so important that you remember to lock your car and do not offer thieves an easy target,” a Sutton Police statement said.

A locksmith in Cheam, The Locksmiths Shop LTD, confirmed to Sutton Guardian that they believe there has been a spike in burglaries in Cheam recently with both houses and cars being broken into.

Two people came to them with advice last week as they had their house windows "smashed" in.

The Metropolitan Police has released a guide on how to keep your vehicle as secured as possible.

The 10-point advice includes:

1. Always lock it

2. Close windows and the sun roof to prevent ‘fishing’

3. Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws

4. Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels

5. Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle

6. Take it with you or hide it

7. Hide electrical items and leave no clues

8. Take your documents with you

9. Park in well-lit and busier areas

10. Choose your car park wisely

Sutton neighbourhood watch also recommended for people to read their anti-burglary initiatives http://www.suttonneighbourhoodwatch.co.uk/CrimePrevention/Burglary.aspx