DRIVERS are being urged to make sure they secure their vehicles after a spate of thefts in the New Forest area.

The Safer New Forest Partnership is raising awareness in a bid to reduce car crimes in towns, villages and rural parts of the district after the thefts from unlocked vehicles.

New Forest Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson said: “Although car crime does occur, there has been a significant reduction and the police are doing a lot to combat it. However people can help themselves and help us to further reduce the problem by taking some simple crime prevention measures like locking car doors and removing all valuables.”