Police have issued an appeal for information following a series of overnight car break-ins in East Belfast. Reports were made to police of attempts to break in to cars in the Mount Merrion area of the city from 10pm yesterday evening, Thursday, March 27, and 5.30am today, Friday, March 28. Items taken from cars included sums of cash and a mobile phone, while one vehicle was stolen from a property in the Merok Park area and located on fire in the Turf Lodge area. Police say at this stage, they believe one group of people are behind all of the incidents. Read more: Watch: Helicopter footage shows stolen car driving on wrong side of Westlink Read more: Four people taken to hospital after multi-vehicle crash on A5 Inspector Moutray said: “We are appealing for information and witnesses after receiving a number of reports of attempts to break in to cars in the area between around 10pm yesterday evening, Thursday 27th March, and 5.30am today, Friday 28th March “These incidents were reported to have occurred at properties in Creevy Avenue, Fairway Gardens, Stirling Gardens, Cregagh Road, Mount Merrion Park, Rosetta Park, Thiepval Avenue, and Whynchurch Terrace. “A sum of cash and a mobile phone were taken from a vehicle at Cregagh Road, and a purse was taken from a vehicle at Mount Merrion Park. It’s also believed at this stage that cash was taken from a vehicles in the Rosetta Park area. “We are also investigating a report that a vehicle was stolen from a property in the Merok Park area. The car, a black Volkswagen Golf, was seen travelling through the Dunmurry area shortly before 7am yesterday morning, Thursday, before being reported to have been located on fire in the Turf Lodge area at around midday. “Police also received reports that a group of men attempted to steal a motorbike from a property in the Braeside Grove area at around 11.30pm pm on Wednesday 26th March. At this stage, we believed that the same group of people are responsible for all of these incidents.” Inspector Moutray continued: “An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of these reports, and we are appealing to anyone who might have any information at all which may help us, to get in touch. “The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 377 of 27/03/25. You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” Inspector Moutray added: “We are actively looking for those people responsible for this kind of crime, and as part of this, we are arming members of the public with the knowledge of how they can out-smart them by taking some precautions to protect their property. “Some practical steps you can take include: Ensure your car is locked, and if your vehicle is keyless, ensure both it and the spare are kept away from all doors and windows Use a steering wheel lock or alarm Park in your garage overnight, and if you don’t have a garage park close to your home “Don’t let thieves get an easy ride this summer. If you know someone who is breaking into cars, or helping someone who is, please report to us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also come forward with any information you may have totally anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.