REPORTS of thefts from cars have led to the police ramping up patrols in Colchester.

Essex Police’s Colchester team has increased its presence in residential areas in a bid to disrupt criminal activity where motor vehicles are targeted.

Officers could be seen with torches on Wednesday evening as they carried out checks.

A police spokesman said: “Officers from Colchester Town Centre Team have been patrolling residential areas after reports of thefts from motor vehicles occurring in the area”.