Drivers, and especially commuters who park and then catch the train to London, have been warned against leaving valuables on display.

Kent Police’s Community Safety Unit officers in Sevenoaks have noticed a seasonal spike in the number of thefts from vehicles. Although there is no link between the incidents, commuters' cars appear to be particularly vulnerable.

DI Robetr Slade said: “Sevenoaks is a commuting district so we get people from Tonbridge, Maidstone and other areas parking up here and using public transport to get to London each day. These people can be particularly vulnerable as they leave their cars for a long period of time, possibly in the same area, each day.

“Criminals will get to know the areas popular with commuters and will spot patterns in which vehicles are often left unattended. Where we get reports of vehicle crime we send PCs and PCSOs out to patrol the area and hand out leaflets, but we are asking drivers to do all they can to think about how to avoid becoming a victim of crime in the first place.”

Aside from sat navs and mobile phones, thieves have also been taking jackets, cash and glasses from parked cars. Number plates and even fog lights have also been snatched.

Police advise drivers to make sure all doors are locked and windows wound up. Parking an area that’s in view from passers-by and well-lit is also recommended.