MAKE SURE YOUR CAR ISN'T A WINDOW SHOP FOR THIEVES


HOW often do you leave your belongings in your car when you leave it unattended? Police are urging people to remove ALL belongings from their vehicles. Thieves are usually opportunistic - Police urge members of the public to always remove their belongings from their vehicles.

Current problems with the theft of power tools fromvehicles and Police are distributing stickers for van owners to use stating that nothing of value is left overnight. The one time you choose to leave it in there could be the very opportunity a criminal takes.

By following a few simple rules residents can greatly reduce the likelihood of being targeted by thieves.

Remove all belongings including the front facias of your stereo where possible, make use of a garage if you have one or make sure you park in a well-lit area, and wipe away any suction pad marks left by a Sat Nav device.

Hertfordshire Constabulary offers the following vehicle crime prevention advice:

• Remove Satellite Navigation systems and all evidence that such a system is used, ie - the cradle - before leaving the vehicle.

• You are twice as likely to have something taken from your car than have your car stolen. Take a thief's temptation away.

• Remove your stereo or CD player, mark it with your registration number or use your postcode followed by your house number.

• Any other valuables you take into your car regularly should be marked in the same way.

• Don't leave valuables like laptop computers, handbags or credit cards on display. Take them with you or put them out of sight in the boot at the start of your journey.

• A large number of break-ins involve the theft of a mobile phone. Mark your phone and battery with your postcode and keep a note of its serial number in a safe place.

• Even leaving an empty bag on display can be a temptation – a thief may think it contains something valuable. So keep bags out of sight.

For further crime prevention advice, please visit www.herts.police.uk.

July 2009