WEST Dunbartonshire cops are urging motorists to lock their car doors after an increase in vehicle thefts in recent weeks.

Police Scotland said they have noticed a spike in thefts in Dalmuir, Duntocher and Dumbarton areas.

The force said a number of vehicles have been entered by thieves and had property stolen from within. There have also been instances of thefts of Ford Transit vans.

A number of the recent thefts have been from unlocked cars, where opportunistic thieves are taking advantage of owners who forget to lock their vehicle or don’t take an extra few seconds to remove valuables from display.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Scott Carlin is urging motorists to be extra vigilant when securing vehicles and to report any suspicious behaviour.