Thieves have been on an unusual spree, stealing steering wheels from BMWs.

The village of Higham has been a particular target.

A car was broken into in Charles Dickens Avenue sometime between 6pm on Sunday, December 3 and 8.45am on Tuesday, December 5 where the steering wheel was stolen along with a sat nav and groceries.

A BMW in Forge Lane was also targeted between 11.30pm on Monday, December 4 and 8.40am the next day where a steering wheel was stolen along with a computer screen attached to the vehicle, a purple case and an iPod charger.

During similar hours on the same night another car was targeted in Copperfield Crescent and a steering wheel was again stolen.

Another BMW was targeted in Telegraph Hill between 6pm on Monday, December 4 and 7.15am the next day. Again, the steering wheel was also stolen.

Officers in West Kent are also investigating after four BMWs were broken into in the Penenden Heath area between the evening of Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22.

Steering wheels were stolen from a BMW parked in St Francis Close and two BMWs in Heathfield Close. Over the same night a car radio, sat nav and steering wheel were stolen from a BMW parked in Northway.

Inspector Rachel Harris, Medway’s Community Safety Unit Inspector, said: “While we will investigate crimes reported to us, I would like to ensure residents remain vigilant and to report anybody acting suspiciously after dark to call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

“I’d also encourage residents to park your car in a well-lit area on a driveway or inside a garage overnight if possible.”

Other advice includes: removing all valuable items overnight; consider investing in CCTV and sensors which alert you when someone walks near your vehicle or enters the driveway; and have valuables security marked so it makes them harder to sell on if they are stolen.

Anyone with information should call police on 01634 792209 quoting reference XY/063866/17 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.