SWINDON police have once again warned motorists to remove valuables from their cars and leave their vehicles secure after a string of break-ins to Vauxhalls.

On Monday night, a white van was stolen from outside Medlar Court in Pinehurst, an Astra was taken from outside a house in Nightwood Copse, Peatmoor, and thieves broke in, but did not steal, an Astra car parked in Down-ton Road, Penhill.

Insp Bob Walton, based at Swindon police headquarters, said: "We are aware that vehicle crime is a problem in Swindon. We treat every case seriously and will try to reduce it as much as we possibly can."

Last month police issued a warning to owners of French made vehicles after a spate of thefts from Peugeots and Citroens across the borough.