POLICE are urging vehicle owners to remove all valuables following thefts.

Officers are ramping up patrols in Benfleet after two incidents were reported within the space of 12 hours.

The first saw a side window of a Ford Transit parked in Asquith Avenue smashed and items stolen from inside on Thursday night.

The second saw two power drills stolen from a van in Common Lane around 6.30am on Friday.

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The victim had left the vehicle unlocked after they were going in and out of their home.

A police spokesman said: “We are urging vehicle owners to ensure that all valuables are removed and that vehicles are fully secured.

“Our officers are aware of the issue and are conducting patrols.

“If you have any CCTV or doorbell footage of suspicious activity in these areas, please contact PC Polhill via email castlepointandrochfordcpt@essex.police.uk.”