A NUMBER of residents have had their personal and high-value property stolen in a recent rise of thefts across the region.

With high value cars stolen from driveways and perpetrators breaking into garden sheds, this has inevitably caused concern amongst residents who are worried with this recent rise in crime.

A white Ford Fiesta was stolen from outside a property in Windle between 9.30pm on Sunday, September 12, and 7.20am the following morning.

Enquiries are ongoing into this theft, but at present the victim is still without his car.

St Helens Star: The fiesta was stolen from a drive in Windle on Sunday, September 12The fiesta was stolen from a drive in Windle on Sunday, September 12

In Haydock, a black Ford Fiesta and a red BMW Sport were stolen from an address on Alfred Road.

It is believed that the keys were taken from inside the property of the car owner between the hours of 11pm on Wednesday, September 8 and 6am the following morning.

Following a police investigation, the red BMW was thankfully recovered, yet enquiries are still ongoing to locate the Fiesta.

Another victim, aged just 19, had his scooter stolen from Denton’s Green on Friday, August 27.

There have been multiple sightings of the scooter around Sutton and Clock Face, but at present the bike has not been recovered.

St Helens Star: A scooter was stolen from an address in Denton's Green on Friday, August 27A scooter was stolen from an address in Denton's Green on Friday, August 27

In addition to these string of vehicle thefts, Shaun Martin caught a young perpetrator on CCTV breaking into his garden shed, stealing power tools which he uses for work.

Occurring at around 2am this morning (September 15), Shaun explained the man entered his shed on McCormack Avenue, Parr, and stayed for around 20 minutes, stealing a Makita drill and a Dewalt saw and radio.

Shaun said: "I think the rise in thefts is the result of all the other issues in todays society and it will just keep getting worse."

St Helens Star: The man caught on CCTV breaking into Shaun Martin's shed on McCormack Avenue, ParrThe man caught on CCTV breaking into Shaun Martin's shed on McCormack Avenue, Parr

A man has also been sighted trying the door handles of cars on Bridgewater Close, Newton.

Sightings of the man were reported at 2.45pm on Sunday, September 12, and between 12.45am and 1am later that night.

There have been no reports of anything being stolen.

St Helens Star: An image of the man trying car handles on Bridgewater Close, NewtonAn image of the man trying car handles on Bridgewater Close, Newton

Merseyside police have opened investigations into each of these incidents and are appealing for information from witnesses.

The incidents are not currently being treated as linked, but enquiries are ongoing.

Community Policing Inspector Jon Smith said: We’re aware of a number of recent incidents in which vehicles have been targeted in the St Helens area. We understand the worry and inconvenience that this causes and are gathering all information.

"It’s good to see residents investing in CCTV, doorbell technology, and other crime prevention measures, which makes their homes and streets hostile places for any would-be criminal to operate. We work closely with all our communities in this work and would continue to encourage all such vigilance.

“Your home CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage could be vital in tracking down those responsible and bringing them to justice.

“There are also some simple measures you can take to prevent your vehicle being an easy target, so please have a read of our website and follow St Helens Police on Twitter and Facebook for updates and advice.

“If you have seen similar suspicious behaviour or theft and have yet to come forward, please do so via our social media desk @MerPolCC, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or call 999 if a crime is in progress.

"Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook. Alternatively, call officers via the police non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."