A spate of thefts from vehicles in parts of Amber Valley has prompted the borough’s Community Safety Partnership to remind drivers not to leave valuables on view in their vehicles.

Ipods and satellite navigation equipment have been a key target of the thieves, who have grabbed the items from inside the vehicles.

And police say drivers are making it easy for the offenders.

Officers on duty in the towns – and elsewhere in the borough – say they are regularly seeing vehicles in which valuables including Ipods, mobile phones, satellite navigation systems, CD players and even laptops have been left in full view.

“Our advice is quite simple,” Amber Valley Community Safety Partnership Sergeant Julie Hay said. “Do not leave valuables on view in your vehicle and if at all possible do not leave them in your vehicle at all.”

Members of the public can help by passing on information about goods such as used Ipods and satellite navigation systems being sold on. They can report anything they are suspicious about, either to the police by calling 0845 123 33 33 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cards for display on dashboards that tell would-be thieves: “There are no valuables left in this vehicle and the keys are secured safely” are available from Amber Valley Community Safety Partnership. To collect one free of charge call in at reception at Ripley Town Hall and ask for a vehicle valuables card.

Significant reductions in the number of thefts from vehicles have been achieved in recent years, with the Community Safety Partnership target of a 33% cut in the offence between 1998/99 and 2004/05 being reached.

“We want to make sure that the significant achievements we have made with thefts from vehicles in the Borough are maintained,” Community Safety Officer Sally Price said. “Drivers need to remember to remove valuable, desirable items from their vehicles and everyone should pass on information about such items being offered to them.”