A spike in vehicle crime in Southend has prompted urgent police advice.

Essex Police have said over the past fortnight, there has been an increase in vehicle thefts around Southend.

Eight vehicles have been stolen in the past two weeks.

Out of those eight, half were Fords, with three of those Fords being vans.

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Officers from Southend's community policing teams have offered urgent advice to drivers, which says: "Please ensure your vehicles are left secure, empty of valuables and in a lit area when possible."