EXMOUTH police are urging people not to leave valuables in their cars after a number of vehicles were targeted by thieves.

Three cars were broken into in the town last week. Two incidents happened on the same day – crimes which the police believe could be linked and carried out by an ‘opportunist.’

Items were taken from a silver Audi TT left parked and secure in Danby Terrace, at the junction with Exeter Road, sometime between 4.30pm last Tuesday, February 15, and 11am on Wednesday, February 16.

The front-side passenger window was smashed by unknown means and items, including an ipod cable, were stolen.

Anyone with information about the incident should call Devon and Cornwall police, asking for PCSO 30412 Colin Balch, quoting KE/11/457, on 08452 777444.

In a separate incident – one which police believe could have been caused by the same person/s - a laptop was taken from a red Kia Pica parked in Pound Street, sometime between 5.05pm and 5.25pm on Tuesday, February 15.

The nearside front passenger window was smashed to gain access to the car.

The stolen Acer Aspire laptop was worth more than �400.

Anyone who can help police with their enquiries should call PCSO 30412 Colin Balch on 08452 777444 quoting KE/11/450.

Sergeant Nick Southern, neighbourhood team leader from Exmouth police, believed the offences could be down to an opportunist preying on stealing valuable items left behind by drivers.

“It is very unusual to have quite a few car thefts. This kind of thing used to happen in the past when thieves would try to steal car stereos but not so much now.

“It looks as though we have somebody out and about in the daytime – an opportunist – who will try and take anything that is left out of value in a car.

“We would urge motorists not to leave valuables on display in their cars.”

In a third, separate car-theft incident from last week, items valued at more than �280 were taken from a silver VW Golf left in Imperial Road, adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre, between 3.20pm and 4.40pm last Wednesday, February 16.