An increase in reports of items being stolen from vehicles has sparked a police warning.

Herts police told the Watford Observer that thefts have increased in the last “week or so” and are mainly in North Watford, but some are in West Watford too.

Officers have urged people to lock their cars after several cases involved vehicles that had been left unlocked.

Advice was also given to never leave valuables in vehicles, close windows and sunroofs and keep sat nav mounts or cables out of view as it “gives it away that you have something valuable in your car”.

It has also been suggested to not leave items on roof-racks, but if that is not possible, they should be secured using tools such as, cable locks and padlocks.

The police warning comes after two people were captured on CCTV “trying to open” cars in Crossmeads, Watford after midnight on June 28.

Watford Observer: Two people were seen on CCTV trying to open car doors.Two people were seen on CCTV trying to open car doors. (Image: Submitted)

Officers confirmed they were called at around 12.50am and said that “no attempts were made to enter the cars, and no crimes have been recorded”.

But a woman who lives on the road said: “They went down the whole road trying to open each car. It was shocking when we watched the footage back.”