POLICE have issued a warning to drivers amid an increase in thefts of a Toyota pickup model from outside hotels across south Essex.

Essex Police's stolen vehicle intelligence unit issued an appeal to locate a Black Toyota Hilux stolen from Festival Leisure Park in Basildon overnight between March 7 and 8.

This sparked a warning to motorists across the county as the unit says it has seen an increase in reported thefts of the model parked overnight outside hotels in both south and west Essex.

A spokesman for the force said: "We are seeing an increase in reported thefts of this type of vehicle parked overnight outside hotels in both the south and west of Essex, please remain vigilant and add extra security features where possible."

Anyone who owns one of these vehicles, is urged to increase their security measures and consider the use of a steering wheel lock, or even park their vehicle in a garage if possible.

Witnesses who have seen the Hilux stolen from Festival Leisure Park are urged to contact the force at essex.police.uk/digital101, quoting reference 42/37042/24.