Police have issued a warning about 'smash and grab' thefts from the cars of people visiting Kew Gardens for their Christmas lights show and other events.

Bags, cash, laptops and iPads are among the items stolen, according to a joint report from the Kew and North Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

The thieves have typically smashed a side window or the windscreen before quickly grabbing any valuables and making off.

In a statement, they said: "We are aware of resident concerns about thefts from cars occurring in this part of the Borough over the last few weeks.

"For context, both North Richmond and Kew have had a total of 14 reported thefts from cars between 17/11/2021 and 02/12/2021.

"This is against a backdrop of 22 reports from 2020 and 9 in 2019 in the same period.'

Several of the thefts took place in Ennerdale Road, while cars were also targeted in Kew Foot Road, Kew Road, Kew Retail Park, Selwyn Avenue, Kew Green, and Richmond Athletic Ground among other locations.

The vast majority of the victims are people visiting the area, most often Kew Gardens, rather than residents.

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The police said: "We have been working with Kew Gardens to increase customer awareness and to remind visitors to take all possessions with them if driving to the Gardens.

"We have significantly increased our patrols of the affected area including plain clothes and unmarked patrols between the key times and days to try and apprehend those involved."

They added: "We would always encourage residents to report serious activity on 999 so we can attend and check out what is happening.

"Please remain vigilant and be reassured that the Kew and North Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Teams are aware of this issue and are being proactive."