Police have issued a warning and crime prevention advice after a spate of car break-ins in Stone this week.
The advice comes after a spate of thefts from motor vehicles this week in Walton. Untidy searches were made of the vehicles and bags containing contents stolen. This week, overnight on the 12/13 May, at least five vehicles were broken into on Doulton Close, Coalport Drive and Wedgewood Avenue. Police say all of the vehicles had been left insecure, but on 13th/14th May, in the Stonefield area, a car was broken into by having one of its front windows smashed.
There have also been more than 15 thefts from motor vehicles in Gnosall over the last few weeks.
Drivers can take a few simple measures to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of this sort of crime,” said Chief Insp Steve Smith of Stafford LPT. “Thieves are more likely to steal from vehicles than they are to take the vehicles themselves. Many criminals are opportunists – if they go past a car and see a mobile phone on the seat or a sat nav in its cradle, they will try the vehicle or break in and take them. They are more likely to leave a car alone if there is nothing worth stealing on view. By keeping things out of sight, your vehicle may be less of an open invitation to them.”
Anyone with any information relating to these thefts is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 678 of May 12.
They can also contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
When you park your car consider the following advice:
Remove all valuables
Don’t give criminals an easy ride – if at all possible take your valuables with you. If this really isn’t possible, it may be worth buying a vehicle boot safe to put items in.
Lock doors and close windows
If your vehicle is not locked or the windows closed, it’s like an open invitation to a thief. However tempting it is – especially in hot weather or when you’re in a hurry – always secure your vehicle.
Take your sat nav with you
Remember to remove the cradle and wipe away any sucker marks. Leaving the cradle in place tells the crooks that the sat nav might be in the glove compartment or boot.
Don’t leave your vehicle with keys in the ignition at any time
Turn off the engine and keep the keys with you, even when you’re loading or unloading shopping or baggage. Leaving the engine running to ‘warm up’ on frosty mornings not only risks the theft of the vehicle but is also against the law. Drivers should always be in control of their vehicle when the engine is running.
Use your alarm
If your vehicle has an alarm and/or immobiliser, use them. Otherwise consider having them fitted.
Park in a safe place
If you can, don’t park in an unattended car park, choose somewhere that is light and where members of the public regularly pass. Look to see if there are many escape routes as thieves will also find these attractive.
Parking in busy, well-lit areas, where there is Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) coverage will discourage many thieves from targeting your vehicle.
