Police have released a CCTV image of a person they wish to speak to in connection with a spate of vehicle break-ins in Royston, while the neighbouring force in South Cambs has also issued advice to motorists following attempted thefts in villages overnight.

The thefts in Royston – where five cars were broken into or tampered with – happened overnight between Friday, April 21, and the following morning in Nightingale Way, Brooke Road and Skylark Place.

A second spate of thefts took place in Mill Road, Stephenson Close, Weston Avenue and Ostler Court overnight on Monday, May 8.

Five cars were targeted and, as well as causing damage, items stolen from the vehicles included a sat nav, an iPod and cash.

Sergeant Guy Westwood from Royston’s Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “I am appealing to anyone with information about these crimes to come forward.

“We’d also be interested to hear from anyone who may recognise the person pictured in the CCTV image as they could help us with our enquiries.

“Always lock you vehicles and never leave valuables on view or in your vehicle overnight, as this will entice criminals to break in if they see a bag or a coat in a vehicle.

“Vans are particularly attractive to criminals as they can easily sell on any tools or equipment left inside. Criminals are now using different techniques to bypass modern vehicle security systems, so please follow our vehicle security advice and make your vehicle secure.”

Cambs police have also issued advice to motorists after vehicle break-in attempts and suspicious behaviour were reported to them overnight.

Officers were called just before midnight last night to reports of a man attempting to break into a vehicle in Windmill Close in Bassingbourn.

The man was disturbed and left the scene in a green Volvo heading towards Steeple Morden.

Police were also called at 1.26am today with reports of a man acting suspiciously in Portway, Melbourn.

He left the scene when he was spotted by a member of the public.

There have also been unconfirmed reports of a similar break-in attempt in nearby Ashwell.

A spokesman for Cambs police said “We remind people to ensure that vehicles are secured when they are not being used. We would also advise people not to keep valuables, including tools, in vehicles overnight.

“If you spot anyone acting suspiciously please call us on 999 if the person is still at the scene.”

Contact Herts police for if you have any information on the incidents in Royston via the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number G4/17/373.

Anyone with information about the incidents in Cambs should call their police force on 101 quoting CC-14052017-0616.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Advice on how to make your vehicle safe is available at: www.herts.police.uk/crimeprevention.