Police warn of car raiders after £2,500 watch snatched from unlocked vehicle
A designer watch valued at £2,500 was among items taken from unlocked cars by opportunist thieves across Solihull last month.
In total, 129 thefts from motor vehicles were recorded across Solihull borough in April.
Twenty-one owners admitted leaving their cars unsecure and another 24 were unable to explain how criminals had gained access to their vehicles – leaving police officers to believe they too may have been left unlocked or with windows open.
The figures are largely mirrored across the West Midlands and with more than a third of all car crime linked to sloppy car security officers are reminding motorists to end every journey with crime prevention in the forefront of their minds.
Detective Constable Chris Burt from Solihull Police’s Vehicle team said: “Last week an opportunist thief was sentenced to six months behind bars after admitting to travelling to the area to break into cars – we’re therefore keen to reinforce Solihull motorists aren’t an easy target.
“Despite our continued reminders the stats for April suggest up to 35 per cent of all car crime can be linked to poor security. This means that if an opportunist thief travels to the area and tries the car doors on three cars, they’ll be able to gain access to one.
“We’ve received reports of satnavs being taken, loose change, sunglasses and even a designer watch that had been left in the car. Whatever the item is, no matter what value it has, please remove it from your car.
“People also need to remember that insurance companies won’t pay out if drivers have forfeited their insurance policy by not removing valuables and securing their vehicle.”
Motorists are being reminded of the following advice:
• Don’t leave keys in the ignition when the car is left unattended
• Lock your car when you leave it
• Don’t leave anything on display
• Take your satnav with you when you leave the car and remove any marks left by satnav suction pads
• If you have a garage – use it
• Never leave valuables in the glove box
With summer fast approaching, and the warmer weather offering further temptations to leave windows open, police officers are keen to ensure vehicle crime doesn’t rise as the temperature does.
DC Burt added: “As you’d expect officers will be passing on safety advice while on patrol and at the same time looking to arrest those responsible for this crime and with the public’s help we’re confident we can drive down vehicle crime over the coming months.”
For more car security tips visit: www.safermotors.co.uk
Read the full story here: http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/latest-news/news.aspx?id=841