AN increase in the number of thefts from vehicles meant the crime rate in Highcliffe doubled during January to 16 incidents from the previous month.

In January, Highcliffe and Walkford Safer Neighbourhood officers dealt with two burglaries and one attempted break in, two reports of vandalism and two bicycle thefts. The rest were vehicle related.

Officers advise removing property from vehicles, leaving empty gloveboxes open and removing signs of sat navs before securing and setting alarms.