Motorists are being given the opportunity to help protect their vehicles from theft, thanks to a new initiative being piloted and launched jointly by North Wales Police and the Flintshire Community Safety Partnership.
Vehicle Watch 25+ is a scheme designed to increase the likelihood of a stolen vehicle being spotted and stopped by police.
Vehicle owners over the age of 25 who can attach Vehicle Watch 25+ stickers to the front and rear windscreens of their cars. If the vehicle is then seen being driven by someone apparently under the age of 25 it may be stopped and checked by police.
PC Hazel Goss, Community Safety Officer from North Wales Police said: “Anyone over the age of 25 can join the scheme for free. It is open to all users, private and commercial. Once people have registered a Vehicle Watch pack will be sent out which will include stickers and crime prevention advice.
“A lot of vehicle crime results from criminals seeing opportunities and taking them. You can easily outsmart the car thief by following the simple advice which has been provided within this scheme. Remember, most car crime can be prevented. Don’t give criminals an easy ride.”
If you would like to join the scheme, please contact PC Hazel Goss at the Flintshire Community Safety Partnership on 01352 702145 or send an email to: [email protected]
Vehicle Security Advice:
- Always remove the keys from the ignition and remember to lock your vehicle
- Try not to leave your vehicle parked in an isolated area where it is unobserved. Thieves prefer to work unseen
- At night, avoid leaving your vehicle in dark or secluded areas
- If you must leave items in your vehicle, lock them away and out of sight
- Always avoid leaving mobile phones, cheque books or credit cards and if possible, remove your radio/CD player
- Never leave driving documents such as your licence or registration in your car. Thieves may use them to try and deceive the police if they are stopped
- If possible, turn your wheels towards the kerb. This makes it harder for thieves to tow it away.
- Enhance your vehicle’s security by using devices such as electronic immobilisers and steering wheel locks.
