ISLANDERS living in country parishes are being urged to secure their cars and property after a recent spate of vandalism.

Police are investigating a number of incidents which took place mainly in the southern parishes at the weekend.

During the late hours of Friday and early hours of Saturday, three cars were driven away and a further seven vehicles were broken into.

Police believe some of the incidents were related.

In addition, they are investigating damage to St Martin’s Garden and Pet Centre and a burglary at a St Peter Port address, which also happened between the same times.

Detective Inspector Tom Makins said it appeared the offenders had targeted vehicles in secluded country areas which had been left unsecured and sometimes with the keys in the ignition.

‘Fortunately, this level of crime over a single night is unusual. However, police would like to remind islanders it is not only densely populated areas that criminals target.

‘Removing keys from the ignition and locking a car takes a moment and could prevent you from becoming a victim,’ he said.

All damage was discovered by their owners the following morning.

n If you have any information contact the police on 725111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.