PC Mike Richardson from Llangunnor and Tregunnor Neighbourhood Policing Team checks cars for valuables on display.
Residents in Carmarthenshire who fail to lock their cars, forget to close a window or leave their sat-nav on show will be contacted by the police and given crime prevention advice.
The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is warning people to make sure their vehicles are secure – even if they are leaving them for just a few minutes – and any valuables are kept out of sight.
If not, then they could receive a letter from the police.
Under the Vulnerable Vehicle Scheme, if officers see any cars in a public place that have been left open or with anything on view, the owner will be sent a letter and accompanying leaflet offering advice.
The aim is to encourage residents and visitors to take the simplest of steps to secure their vehicles and reduce their chances of becoming a victim of this type of crime.
Although vehicle crime in Carmarthenshire is low, figures show that almost half of all incidents in the county could have been avoided.
During the last three months there have been 136 auto crime offences in Carmarthenshire – 53 per cent of these were thefts from an unattended motor vehicle and 43 per cent had a mode of entry that was open or insecure.
Chief Inspector Mark Bleasdale, chairman of the CSP’s Vehicle Crime Action Group which is working hard to reduce vehicle crime in the county, said: “Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and therefore preventable. By following some straightforward advice, and working together, we can ensure that this type of crime keeps falling.
“The number of vehicles that are not locked or have sat-navs, laptops, mobile phones, handbags, cash and other valuables on view is of great concern. It’s best never to leave anything on view in your car, but if you have to, lock it in the boot where it is out of sight.”
The CSP includes the council and the police as well as a number of other agencies and its aim is to make Carmarthenshire a safer place for both residents and visitors.
Top Tips:
- Don’t leave items on display, even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief.
- Electronic engine immobilisers prevent your vehicle from starting and are the best way to stop thieves. They should be professionally fitted – either by your car dealer or by an installer approved by the Vehicle Systems Installation Board.
- When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don’t have a garage, try to park in a well-lit, open place.
- When parking in a public place, always try and park your car in an attended car park – try to look for a car park which is part of the police approved safer parking scheme.
- Buy a steering wheel lock and use it every time you leave your vehicle.
- Get an alarm fitted to deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from taking items from it.
- Secure your wheels – locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.
- Etch your vehicle registration number or the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto all windows and headlamps.
- Mark all your equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number.
- Check before buying a used vehicle whether the car you are interested in has been reported stolen, seriously damaged or is still subject to finance. For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk
CAPTION: PC Mike Richardson from Llangunnor and Tregunnor Neighbourhood Policing Team checks cars for valuables on display.
