Police are warning motorists after a series of thefts from vehicles across Wisbech in recent weeks.

Since June 1, there have been 37 reports of thefts from a vehicle across Wisbech, with 10 having a window smashed to gain entry, four being left unlocked and the rest not known how entry was gained.

Items stolen include cash and loose change, sat-navs, sporting equipment, laptops, purses and wallets, bank cards, tools, sunglasses, clothing and bags.

Sergeant Dave Arnold, from the Wisbech Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “I understand this recent increase in thefts is concerning for the community.

“However, I would like to reassure people that we are working hard to identify those responsible.

“Over the weekend our response colleagues arrested a woman who was later charged with one offence, and last night my team made an arrest in connection with several offences.

“I would encourage anyone with video doorbells or CCTV to check footage for any offences and report it to us, even if it only looks like an attempt to enter a vehicle.

“Precautions can be taken to deter thieves such as ensuring doors are locked and windows are closed when leaving the vehicle, even momentarily, and also removing any items from inside.”

A man in his 30s was arrested in Redwing Drive, Wisbech, yesterday evening (Monday) by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), on suspicion of various offences including the recent thefts from vehicles.

He was taken to the Police Investigation Centre (PIC) in King’s Lynn and has since been recalled to prison while enquiries continue into the thefts.

Michelle Tolfrey, 48, of no fixed address, was arrested in Napier Court, Wisbech, in the early hours of Saturday morning (July 13) by response officers after a call came into police reporting a theft from a vehicle in progress.

Tolfrey was caught inside a Ford Mondeo and found with a sat-nav and vehicle paint filler inside her jacket pockets which had been stolen from the car.

She was later charged with theft from a vehicle which she admitted at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday) where she was sentenced to six weeks in prison, suspended for a year.

Advice on how to best protect your vehicle from thieves can be found on the force’s dedicated vehicle security information webpages.

Anyone who believes their vehicle may have been targeted should contact police using the online reporting form or webchat, those without internet access should call 101. If you believe a crime is in action, always call 999.

Locations of the thefts are below:

  • Money Bank – June 2

  • Magazine Lane – June 2

  • Kingswood Park – June 2

  • Ramnoth Road – June 2 

  • Colvile Road – June 3

  • Copperfields – June 8

  • Railway Road – June 8

  • Lynn Road – June 8

  • Kooreman Avenue – June 9

  • The Crescent – June 11

  • John F Kennedy Court – June 12

  • Victoria Road – June 14

  • Borough Close – June 15

  • Elm Road – June 15

  • Church Terrace – June 16

  • St Martins Road – June 16

  • Chestnut Road – June 17

  • Waterlees Road – June 17

  • Oakroyd Crescent – June 18

  • St Augustines Road – June 20

  • Cocketts Drive – June 20

  • Elm Road – June 20

  • Mansell Road – June 20

  • Mansell Road – June 20

  • Park Road – June 29

  • Larksfield – June 29

  • Ramnoth Road – June 30

  • Wedgwood Drive – July 3

  • Ellerby Drive – July 5

  • Malt Drive – July 5

  • Mount Drive – July 5

  • Elm Low Road – July 9

  • High Street – July 10

  • Milner Road – July 11

  • Napier Place – July 13

  • Weasenham Lane – July 13

  • Ramnoth Road – July 15