We are advising owners of vehicles to review their vehicle security, storage, and parking locations in Wealden.

It follows reports of cars being targeted by thieves using specialist tools to gain entry in recent weeks.

We have located and returned a number of stolen vehicles in the East Sussex area, but are highlighting the incident as a warning to owners.

Tips to protect your car are:

• Park your vehicle in sight of your home or inside a garage; or where there is street lighting or CCTV.

• Use a steering lock, often highly visible from outside the vehicle, acting as a deterrent to potential car thieves, as well as preventing the steering wheel from being turned.

• Consider ‘blocking’ the vehicle in with the use of a second vehicle or fitting a ghost immobiliser.

• Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car, or if buying second hand check that the key blade is cut and works, by testing it.

If you see or witness anyone acting suspiciously around parked vehicles in your community, report it to police at the time by either calling 101, or reporting online (non-emergency).