A spate of vehicle thefts have occurred throughout Swanley and west Kent this month.

Power tools, handbags and mobile phones have all been stolen during incidents in the last few weeks with police urging the public to take precautions.

A handbag containing a mobile phone was stolen after it was left under a car seat of a Mazda 5 in Cherry Avenue, Swanley, on May 5.

The same day saw a wallet swiped from a family’s unlocked car in Tunbridge Wells during a picnic.

Divisional Commander for West Kent Chief Superintendent Steve Corbishley said: "As the weather continues to improve more people will be tempted to leave open their windows and sunroofs when vehicles are left unattended.

"However, it takes seconds for a thief to strike and by failing to secure your vehicle properly criminals have access to easy pickings.

"We appreciate it can be time consuming and tiring to empty a vehicle of some items of valuable equipment such as power tools, but this is simply the best way to ensure the safety of your personal property."