Two BMWs were stolen just hours apart in Hitchin this week, with police warning the public to be vigilant of any suspicious behaviour.

A BMW M2 was stolen from Swinburne Avenue between 10.45pm on Wednesday, February 7, and 5.30am on Thursday, February 8.

A BMW X5 was also stolen from nearby Moss Way at around 3am on Thursday, February 8.

Both cars were keyless vehicles.

"I’d like to hear from anyone who witnessed these incidents, or caught unusual footage on doorbell cameras, in the Moss Way or Swinburne Avenue areas of Hitchin around the times stated," said Detective Constable Gemma Hutchinson, of the North Herts Local Crime Unit.

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"You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 41/10982/24 or 41/10986/14.

"These incidents both saw keyless entry vehicles taken. Criminals can use signal jacking devices which pick up the key fob signal, then unlock and start a vehicle.

"A way to counter this is by keeping your car keys in a signal blocking fob pouch or by storing your fob in a metal box will help prevent the signal being detected. Further crime prevention advice can be found below or on our website."