Crime Prevention Advice - Theft From Vehicles - Knowsley
Police in Knowsley are reminding motorists to lock their
vehicles at night and keep valuables out of sight after an increase
in thefts from motorvehicles over the last couple of months. One of
the main reasons for this is owners of vehicles leaving them
insecure, often overnight with valuables on display.
Since the beginning of February there have been 28 thefts from
vehicles some of which had been left open, insecure, un-alarmed or
even unattended with the engine running.
Recently we saw a handbag being stolen from a car in Huyton, a
Sat-Nav being taken from a vehicle in Halewood and a mobile taken
from a vehicle in Kirkby. All three vehicles had been left
insecure.
Chief Inspector Kevin Wellens from the Knowsley Police command
team is appealing for the public's help in preventing these
crimes.
He states: "People are leaving cars unlocked overnight outside
their house and having them stolen while in bed. Or they are
failing to activate their alarms or immobilisers, or, in some keys,
even leaving their keys in plain sight. This is making it far too
easy for opportunistic thieves to get away with their car with
minimal fuss.
"Far too many people are still leaving their valuables on
display as well. Sat Navs are being left attached to the
windscreen, purses and wallets are being left on the seat, mobiles
and electronics too. Thieves will think nothing of smashing a
window to get at them, leaving the owner with a hefty repair bill
and the stress of having their valuables stolen.
"The police will do all we can to investigate these crimes and
catch the offenders but the public can help us stop it from
happening in the first place.
"The police are working hard to combat these thefts but need the
support of the community in preventing these crimes. Please help us
by removing all valuables from your vehicles and keep them secure
at all times
"Always lock your car, no matter how quick you intend to be, and
never leave the keys in the ignition or on display. Keep Sat Navs
locked away and out of sight, or better still, take them out of the
car with you, along with your cash and anything of value. Park your
car in busy, well-lit streets, close to your home and always
activate your alarm and any other security features.
"Taking just a few seconds do all this will save you the hours
of stress associated with suffering an incident of car crime."
Officers are also reminding motorists that it is an offence to
leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running on a road and if
it is stolen while the keys are in the ignition it is possible that
the theft would not be covered by insurance.
Drivers should take the following advice to reduce the risk of
becoming a victim of car theft:
-
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine
running
-
Always lock and secure your vehicle and check windows and
sunroof are closed
-
Never leave anything on display in your vehicle
-
Mobile phones, coats, bags, sat navs and CDs are all a
potential target for thieves take all valuables with you
If you have any information about a crime in your area please
call Merseyside Police on 101.