Police are calling on people to take proactive steps to stop thefts from unattended vehicles.

The Bermuda Police Service said there had been a recent increase in the number of thefts from cars and bikes.

“Residents are once again advised to be vigilant about where they park their motorcycles, cars, trucks and vans – particularly overnight with well-lit areas preferable,” said a BPS spokesman.

“It is also strongly recommended that valuable items are removed before leaving vehicles parked and unattended.

“Parked motorcycles should be secured using the handlebar lock along with a secondary lock – like a wheel lock or throttle lock – and if the motorcycle has a storage box, it should also be secured before leaving the vehicle unattended.”

Police said simple steps should be followed:

• Always lock unattended vehicles. Make it a habit to lock your vehicle, even if you are only going to be away from it for a moment. For cars and trucks/vans, that includes closing all windows and the sunroof, if the vehicle has one.

• Take valuables with you or hide them. Typical items stolen from unattended motorcycles include helmets and rain suits. Ideally, neither should be left under the seat, or in a lockbox. Any personal or electronic items left visible in unattended cars increases the likelihood that they will be stolen. Hide them in the boot, or take them with you.

• Mark and lock away tools left in unattended trucks or vans. Trucks or vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If leaving tools in an unattended truck/van during the day or overnight, mark them clearly with your name, company name and address. Use permanent marker and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Consider using a lockable cabinet within your truck/van to store tools, take photographs of them and note their serial numbers.

The spokesman added: “As always, members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious individuals or activity seen around unattended parked vehicles, by calling 211 at the earliest opportunity – providing as much information as possible about the location and time of any suspicious behaviour, as well as a description of the suspect or suspects involved, if possible.”