HOWLEY Grange in Halesowen has become a magnet for car thieves after sat navs, Ipods, mobile phones being stolen.

Halesowen police officers have told residents to be extra vigilant after the spate after 20 vehicles over the past ten days were left unsecured and unlocked.

Police officers have been checking cars in the area and have even promised to wake careless car owners up if they have left their cars unlocked.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Wendy Tyler said: "I want to urge people to be more vigilant when leaving their vehicle unattended. Locking your vehicle should be an automatic thing to do when walking away from the car, be it for a minute or two or overnight.

"All valuables need to be removed, especially at this time of year when people are out spending money on Christmas presents.

She added: “The simplest thing, such as a carrier bag left on the back seat can seem very appealing to a thief."

Both high visibility and plain clothed patrols have been stepped up in and around the area. There are a number of strategic policing plans in place to target offenders in the area.

Sergeant Tyler added: "We are also going one step further by making the vehicle owner who has left their vehicle unlock aware of this.

“We will be knocking on their door throughout the night getting them to come outside and lock the vehicle before returning back to watch the telly or to go to bed.”

"With the darker cold nights now here I would ask you all to look out for one another and if you see anything that looks suspicious or you witness a crime in progress contact the police."

For all non emergency calls contact your local station on 0345 113 5000, if you see a crime in progress then dial 999.