Hertfordshire police have stepped up patrols and issued advice for residents after a car was reportedly stolen in Hitchin.

A grey Audi Q7 was allegedly taken from Bowlers End in Hitchin at some point between 7pm on Tuesday, January 30 and 7am on Wednesday, January 31.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said that they are "aware" of the incident and continued: “Hi-visibility and plain clothes patrols are being stepped up in this and other hot spot areas in response."

If you have any information about this incident, you can report it at herts.police.uk/report, via web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or by calling 101 and quoting crime reference 41/8474/24.

Information can also be reported anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Hertfordshire Constabulary issue the following crime prevention advice to reduce the risk of your car being stolen:

  • Lock your car whenever it is left unattended and keep it in a garage when parked at night if possible.
  • When at home keep your keyless car fob (and the spare) well away from the car.
  • Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
  • Reprogramme your key fobs if you buy a used car.
  • Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
  • Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even if you are only absent for a moment. 
  • Consider fitting CCTV covering your home and driveway, to help deter thieves.
  • Use PIR or LED security lighting to make your vehicle more visible and this can also act as a deterrent.
  • Always consider parking in a car park that has been accredited with the police-approved “Park Mark” scheme.
  • Noisy gravel on your drive can help deter a would-be thief, as they don’t want to alert you to their approach.
  • Never leave valuable items or tools on display in your vehicle as this may encourage a thief to break in.
  • For security products for your vehicles search the ‘accredited products’ page on www.securedbydesign.com, a police-approved website.