Taking Care in Kennet's Car Parks

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Last revised: 8 October 2008

Top Tips to Avoid Theft From Vehicles

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR CAR LOCKED

This includes closing the sunroof and windows, even if you only leave it for a few seconds. That’s all it takes for a criminal to steal your car.

HIDE VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT

Don’t leave anything on view in your car, particularly when it’s parked overnight. If you’re going away for the day, put your shopping or anything attractive in the boot, before you leave your car.

When shopping many people buy gifts and take them back to their car before returning to the shops for more There are thieves about who will take notice as you head back to your car and wait until your back is turned to break in. Cars have been broken into because thieves have spotted something lying on the front or back seat, including loose change, CD’s, outdoor coats and jackets, handbags, brief cases and shopping bags.

If you do see anyone who is suspicious, perhaps peering into a number of cars as they pass by, call the police immediately.

Get a professionally fitted car alarm or a Thatcham-approved electronic immobiliser (you can find an approved installer through the Vehicle Systems Installation Board at www.vsib.co.uk) or use a steering lock on older cars.

After you have left your car be mindful of street crime when out and about shopping in busy areas. Mobile phones and handbags are the most common targets for thieves either by snatching or by jostling and causing confusion, enabling the thief to pickpocket their victims.

Councillor Lionel Grundy, Member Champion for Community Safety said:

"Although the chances of being a victim of crime are low in the Kennet area we must not be complacent. More than one million burglaries, robberies and thefts of vehicles were recorded in the (2003) British Crime Survey and a fifth of those crimes took place because people failed to take basic precautionary measures to protect their property."