A RUDHEATH couple's despair at seeing three separate cars vandalised in the space of six months has prompted police to advise people in the area to be extra vigilant against the offenders.

Shireen Naeemi and Simon Brown have had a Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra and a Ford Escort all targeted by thieves who tried to either break the door lock or smash a window to get inside.

As well as the cost of the damage, some small personal items have also been taken when the thieves have successfully got into the car.

And to make matters worse, each incident has happened within yards of the last along the same stretch of road in Rudheath.

They claim the response from police has not been satisfactory - but Sergeant Vince Morrison, of the Community Action Team, believes residents can play a big part in cracking the issue.

Sgt Morrison said: "By using common sense and removing any items in view from the car, people can greatly reduce the possibility of their car being broken into.

"And if possible, parking under a street light will also deter people from breaking into a vehicle."

Sgt Morrison also called on people to help police by passing on as much information as possible to identify the offenders.

He added: "Northwich Police will record the crime and give it a crime number, but unless there is evidence available, an officer will not be allocated to it.

"Reporting incidents helps build up our intelligence. If people can give us the information, we can target the people responsible. It has worked in the past and we have been able to make arrests."

Information about incidents can be passed on to Northwich Police by calling 01606 48000.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk