A woman has issued a warning after she found a stranger had been using her car to smoke in.
Danielle Burton, who works for the NHS, was alarmed to find her car - which sits on the drive in front of her home in Bebington, Wirral - had been opened while she slept.
Posting on Facebook she said she could not believe the "audacity" of the individual who had "rummaged" through her car before finishing a cigarette and throwing the stub on the gear stick.
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The self-confessed Line of Duty fan said she was quick to bag the evidence as it may become important.
Danielle said: "Just a reminder to everyone to make sure your cars are locked overnight.
"I live in Thornton Avenue and someone’s been in my car overnight, they’ve had a good rummage but there is nothing interesting for them to take (maybe just my £1 shopping trolley coin - idiots). What they have done though is left a ciggy in there which is what I’m most offended by….. the audacity. It stinks.
"Anyway, just make sure your cars are locked, and if anyone’s picked anything up on CCTV, or had anything stolen to let me know.
"I phoned the police to see if they wanted the ciggy (big fan of Line of Duty so thought this could be good evidence) and they seemed keen to get it."
She later told the ECHO how her post had meant to be taken lightly, but to serve as a reminder for people to ensure their cars are secure.
She said: "I'm not being serious with the amount I’m fuming about it. It is meant to be light hearted really, but just a reminder."
But went on to say she is now taking extra precautions to make her home safe, she said: "We’ve ordered cameras now for the front and back."
Following her post on social media others said a similar thing had happened to them, one said: "Been in my car as well. Unfortunately, ring doorbell didn’t get them on camera.
"They got £2 in change, prescription sunglasses and a torch that doesn’t work but left the one that does.
"My car is supposed to lock when I leave it but I guess that didn’t work last night."
A Merseyside Police spokesperson told the ECHO: "We can confirm that an investigation is ongoing following a theft from a vehicle in Bebington, Wirral overnight.
"At around 7.25am this morning (Thursday, September 16), a report was received of entry being gained to a car on Thornton Avenue at some time between 10pm on Wednesday and 7am today, and a small amount of cash was reportedly taken.
"Forensic and other enquiries are ongoing.
"If you saw the incident or anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or have CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage which may assist, let us know, quoting reference 21000644641.
"If you have any general information on suspected vehicle crime, contact Merseyside Police via @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, and always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
"You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or contact them via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information."
Advice on keeping your vehicle safe can be found here: Prevent theft from a vehicle | Crime Prevention | Merseyside Police
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