POLICE in St Helens are appealing for motorists who have to leave their vehicles for short periods to make sure they are secure, following a spate of thefts in the last two weeks.

Thieves have stolen three cars which drivers had left unlocked with the keys in the ignition from petrol garage forecourts while they went to pay for petrol. Another two cars, also left with keys in the ignition, were stolen from the tip site in Rainhill while drivers dumped some rubbish.

Sergeant Paul Phillips said: "We are generally warning motorists that, even if only nipping out of their cars for a short period of time, it is still long enough for potential thieves to steal them. Always lock car doors, wherever you are.

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