A railway worker “could do without the hassle” of the smashed-in car window he returned to after an overnight shift and two night buses.

Peter Lyons, who lives in Manor Road, Chipping Barnet, had parked his car up in Milton Avenue near High Barnet station before heading to his job working on the construction of Crossrail.

He returned to it around 5.30am this morning (October 25) to find the passenger window smashed in with glass all over the seats.

Luckily, items such as important documents and CDs remained untouched, though two bunches of keys belonging to family were taken.

READ MORE: Hertfordshire police after mystery car thieves following 27 car break-ins around Potters Bar

The 57-year-old, who lives with his wife and two children, said: “It’s been more of a hassle than anything, which I could do without – the repairs cost me £75 excess.

“Luckily they didn’t think much to my CD collection so everything stolen can be replaced.

“I wasn’t going to ring the police until my son pointed out there were similar incidents reported in the area, so my worry is this could be part of a pattern.”

The theft from Mr Lyons’ car comes as Hertfordshire police are investigating 27 car thefts in areas such as Hatfield and the nearby Potters Bar.

Hertfordshire constabulary have asked anyone with information on these incidents to get in touch via the non-emergency 101 number.

Mr Lyons will meet with the police on Thursday to discuss the incident relating to his own car.

Have you seen anyone trying to break into cars near you? Do you know anything about the prior incidents? Let us know at rhys.handley@newsquest.co.uk or 07795305271.