Essex Police is asking drivers to be vigilant following a recent spate of car thefts in the Rayleigh, Hullbridge and Benfleet areas.

A black BMW M5 was stolen from a home in Kiln Road, Benfleet, sometime between 9pm on Saturday, February 24 and 9am the following day.

It was recovered at an industrial unit in Rayleigh on March 1, along with a Triumph motorbike that had been reported stolen from Cotswold Road in Westcliff sometime between 10pm on February 5 and 1.30am the following day.

A blue BMW M5 was stolen from a home in Warwick Road, Rayleigh, at around 12.20am on March 2 and remains outstanding.

A silver BMW M5 was stolen from Crouch Avenue in Hullbridge sometime between midnight and 4.45am on February 21. It was recovered later that day from a garage in the Tilbury area.

It is believed the thefts may be linked.

Drivers, particularly owners of high performance cars, are asked to be vigilant and contact police if they see anyone acting suspiciously.

There are number of steps drivers can take to increase security, including fitting alarms and tracking devices.

For advice, visit www.essex.police.uk/advice/your-property/vehicles