A SPATE of thefts from cars and bikes has sparked a warning from police.

Officers are advising people to lock their vehicles and secure their goods inside.

The warning follows “a recent spate of thefts from vehicles and of bicycles in Adur and Worthing,” police said.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “Cars and vans should always be locked and windows and sunroofs shut whenever they are left unattended, even if only for a few minutes. Insecure vehicles are a prime target for opportunist thieves.

“Small items such as satellite navigation units, tools, handbags, mobile phones, purses and wallets should be removed from parked vehicles or at least hidden from view. Items left on display are again an open invitation to thieves.

“Bicycles should be secured with a strong quality lock and ideally with more than one, making it more difficult to remove wheels and other components separately. It is always best to use designated cycle parks rather than street furniture.”

Bikes and other valuable items can be registered for free on www.immobilise.com, making them easier to trace if they are stolen. Bikes can also be marked for free at your local police station and details added to the Bike Registry.