POLICE are appealing to motorists not to leave items on display in their cars.

The warning comes after a recent increase in car crimes in the St Paul's Cray area.

Residents are also reminded to protect their satellite navigation systems by removing them and the suction fittings from vehicles when they are not using them.

A police spokesman said: "Never leave a car door unlocked or a window or sunroof open - even when just going into a shop for a moment or two, and don't leave any belongings in your car.

"A thief won't know a bag or coat doesn't contain something valuable and might break a window to get at it."