Car insurance customers have been warned to take care when parking in urban locations, after police officers in Northampton identified a large number of vehicles at risk of theft.

A search by Northampton police revealed that a total of 137 cars on the town's streets faced a very real possibility of being broken into, with items such as satellite navigation systems and stereos left in clear view. The force described this number as "staggering".

"It was staggering to find such a large number of vehicles at clear risk of crime and motorists must ensure that they take all their valuables from their vehicle when left unattended," Police Constable Samantha Colton said.

"They leave sat navs, phones, expensive jackets, music systems and bags in the car when left unattended and this is a clear invitation for opportunist thieves to break in," she continued.

"It is an important crime prevention message to get across with the Christmas shopping period soon upon us."

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