A bike, a coat, CDs and car mats were all taken during a spate of thefts in Wye.

Thieves took the items from several different locations in the village near Ashford throughout November.

Police are now warning residents to keep their homes and vehicles secure in case the “opportunist” criminals strike again.

Between November 13 and 17, extension cables, leads and copper and brass scrap metal worth around £175 in total was stolen from a car port in Stonegate.

Keys, car mats, a coat, sunglasses and CDs were also stolen from a Toyota Corolla parked in Scotton Street overnight between November 14 and 15.

Then, in the early hours of November 17, an aluminium ladder worth £120 was stolen from the car port of a house in Little Chequers and overnight on November 20, a bicycle worth £900 was stolen from the back garden of a house in Churchfield Way.

Police Community Support Officer Angie Burden said: “Many thefts are committed by opportunists.

“The good news is that there are simple ways in which people can protect their homes, outbuildings and vehicles.

“Never keep property on show, always check your vehicles are secure and keep side gates and outbuildings locked.

“It’s also a good idea to use timers to turn interior lights or a radio on and off and to light dark or hidden entrances.

“We also advise people to register all valuables items. This can be done for free on www.immobilise.com. Logging details helps us return the items to you if we find or seize them.”

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to phone Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/37045/15.