Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and therefore preventable. By following some straightforward advice we can ensure that this type of crime keeps falling.
Protecting yourself from car thieves:
- Don’t leave valuables such as CDs, pen drives, sat nav systems, laptops, handbags and mobile phones on show – even if you think an item isn’t of any particular value, someone else might think differently.
- Don’t leave coats or clothing visible. Their pockets may be empty but someone looking through the window won’t know that.
- Make sure your car is locked and all windows, doors, boot and sunroof are closed properly.
- Activate all security devices, alarms, immobilisers, etc. when left unattended.
- Always park your car in a safe, well lit place. Use a garage if you have one and consider fitting extra door locks or an electronic garage door.
- If you park your car on your drive, consider fitting substantial locking gates or security posts.
- Never leave your keys in any place within your home that could be reached through the letterbox on your front door with the aid of a hook on a cane or any other device.
- Extra care on cold & frosty mornings: Always ensure your view is completely clear before moving off.Never leave keys in the ignition and doors unlocked when your car is unattended, even if it is only for a couple of minutes, whether the vehicle is sitting on your driveway or on the roadside.
- Allow a few extra minutes to defrost and stay with the vehicle while it warms up. Alternatively, use a de-icer spray and windscreen scraper to clear your windows and lights.
- In a situation where a driver has left a vehicle unattended, insurers may argue that reasonable care has not been taken. This invalidates an insurance claim. Victims are then faced with the loss of their vehicle with no means of replacement, even though they are fully insured.
For more crime prevention advice go the Cheshire Police website www.cheshire.police.uk
For local updates follow St Barnabas Police on Facebook
Complete the Cheshire Police anonymous residents survey www.cheshire.police.uk/residentsvoicecrewe
Report incidents by calling 101. In an emergency always call 999
