A SERIES of car thefts including taxis have taken place in Harwich, with drivers being warned to “double and triple-check” they have locked their vehicles.

Karen Woodbridge reported a car break-in which took place in the Esplanade Court area last Tuesday at about 3am.

Her husband's Gibson SG guitar was stolen from the vehicle.

Advocate - Karen Young said though the police are under enormous pressure, they should not need the local press or councillors before investigating theftsCrime - Karen Woodbridge said her husband was now wanted to leave Harwich due to the 'increased' amount of break-ins (Image: Mark Coventry)

Karen posted CCTV footage on Facebook and sent a link to the police.

A taxi driver, whose car was parked in central Dovercourt, also revealed about a week’s profit was stolen from him after a long day at work.

The taxi driver reported the incident last Friday and said: “This is the first time someone has stolen anything from me in this manner and now I’m on high alert.”

The taxi driver found a neighbour’s camera footage which showed the incident but could not identify the individuals.

The man said neighbours needed to work together to share footage and urged residents to "double and triple check" their cars' door locks.  

Sentimental - Karen Young husband's stolen guitar had sentimental valueSentimental - Karen Woodbridge husband's stolen guitar had sentimental value (Image: Submitted)

An Essex Police spokesman said: “A number of items were taken from inside the vehicle, including a dashcam and two guitars”.

“As part of our enquiries, we requested the victims submitted CCTV footage they had of this incident through our online portal, which was received on Friday 19 July.

“This is one line of enquiry in this investigation, and the investigation is ongoing.

The spokesman added: “We understand the impact the loss of valuable items such as this have on victims.

“Whether that is monetary or sentimental, we will fully and proportionally investigate every report of theft and burglary we receive.”

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article referred to Karen by the wrong surname which was a mistake.