DRIVERS are being warned to stay vigilant after a spate of vehicle thefts in Greenmount and Walshaw.

Police have warned that thieves are targeting high-end cars in the area, breaking into homes to steal car keys before taking the vehicles and stripping them down for parts.

A number of vehicles were taken from outside homes in the north of the borough overnight between Thursday and Friday.

Sgt Simon Ward said: "People need to make sure their doors and windows are locked. We have had a significant number of thefts that have been down to insecurities.

"I would also advise that people make sure their car keys are not easily visible through windows.

"Because they are breaking the cars down for parts that makes them more difficult to track.

"We are looking at putting more patrols in the area and will be looking at what CCTV we have to see if that comes up with any lines of inquiry."

Anyone with information should call police on 101.