Police warn of a surge in vehicle theft reports across Townhill Park, Bitterne Park and Harefield, and say anyone spotting car doors being tried late at night should call 999.
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Most of the recent reports involve unlocked vehicles, with a range of items stolen.
CCTV and witness accounts show people walking the streets trying car door handles, sometimes checking vehicles on driveways.
Police are reviewing the evidence and urge anyone affected, even if nothing was taken, to report it via 101 or the police website to help track offenders.
“We will be doing what we can to be out and about the area in the hours of darkness in an overt capacity to try and deter potential offenders and see if we can catch anybody in the act,” said PC Lay, writing on Facebook.
Residents are advised to lock their vehicles, hide valuables, and call 999 if they spot anyone trying door handles late at night.