Christmas crime spree hits cars; POLICE ISSUE WARNING AS THIEVES RAID PARKED VEHICLES.

Byline: LAURA CAPEWELL

THERE have been six incidents of car crime in two days in Rugby, prompting police to repeat their advice on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Police are warning people to be extra vigilant in the run-up to Christmas as thieves make their own festive preparations.

Business people are advised to keep expensive computer equipment with them, rather than assuming it is safe in the boot.

There have been six reported car thefts and thefts from vehicles in the past two days - an unusually high number for the Rugby area.

Police spokeswoman Lisa Tolfts said: "We have no real explanation as to why it is happening, but if there is an increase like this we do want everyone to be extra vigilant."

She added: "The basic rule is, leave nothing on display. People do seem to be taking the advice and putting things in their car boots, but it seems seems that criminals are becoming aware of this. Our general advice is, if at all possible, take valuable items with you."

Ms Tolfts added: "Don't leave tapes and CDs in the car because they make very handy stocking fillers for criminals."

The cars taken were both Ford Escorts. The first was maroon, registration J67 UOC, reported stolen from Railway Terrace, Rugby, at 9.30pm yesterday. The second, J245 BVW, was taken from Broad Street, Brinklow, overnight last night.

The raids included four lap-top computers from the boot of a Renault Laguna parked at the Ansty Arms Hotel, Ansty, yesterday afternoon, while other items were taken from a Vauxhall Cavalier parked on Plowman Street, New Bilton yesterday and a lap-top computer from a Laguna parked at the Little Chef on the A46 in Binley Woods yesterday morning.

Anyone with information can contact Rugby Police on 01788 541111.