A recent spate of thefts from vehicles has prompted police to urge people to make sure their cars are properly secured.

From April to October this year there have been 64 thefts from motor vehicles in the Abbots Langley and Leavesden areas, compared to just 28 during the same period last year - an increase of more than 120 per cent.

In an attempt to drive home the issue, police have released footage of a gang of people testing car doors as they walk down a residential street.

Sergeant Chris Simmons from the Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Failing to lock your vehicle and leaving valuables inside make you an easy target for thieves and may mean that your insurance is void.

“This video clearly shows how easily a thief can check if you’ve accidentally left your vehicle insecure and within seconds you could become the victim of a crime, which may result in you losing valuables and facing the inconvenience of reporting the crime to police and your insurance company.

“There has been a significant rise in thefts from motor vehicles in recent months where parked vehicles have been left unlocked. When leaving your car or van please remove any valuables and double check that it is properly locked.”