Whitley Bay drivers have been urged to be vigilant after a spate of thefts from cars in the town.
Northumbria Police and councillors from St Mary's ward say car owners should take precautions after the thefts and attempted thefts from cars in the area.
While canvassing Willoughby Drive in Whitley Lodge, councillors George Westwater and Pam McIntyre heard about the car-related crimes.
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Northumbria Police told the Local Democracy Services there had been seven reports of car break-ins and attempted break-ins in Whitley Bay on February 11 and 12 alone.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We have recently received several reports of thefts and attempted thefts from cars in the wider Whitley Bay area. We want to urge residents to lock their cars.
“The overwhelming majority of incidents sees offenders going from car to car and trying handles - and moving on if they’re secure. We would always ask car owners to be alert and if you see something suspicious in your neighbourhood speak up and call 101 or always 999 in an emergency or if the crime is currently ongoing.”
St Mary's independent councillor George Westwater said: "We have a high demographic of elderly people in the ward and they may be used to leaving their cars unlocked.
"We have liaised with community protection to try and increase patrols but it is important for residents to remain vigilant.
"I don't think the people doing this are local, these people come to the sleepy suburbs, going around different areas but you wouldn't think it would happen in Whitley Lodge, a relatively quiet area."
George Westwater, along with St Mary's councillors Judith Wallace and Pam McIntyre, recently resigned from the Tory party claiming the local Conservative Federation was a hotbed of "bullying" and "toxic behaviour". Coun George Westwater will stand as an independent candidate in the upcoming May local elections.
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