Appeal following attempted car thefts in Aintree

We are appealing for information following reports of attempted car thefts in Aintree.

Officers from Neighbourhood Policing have received several reports from residents that a group of people dressed in black and wearing balaclavas have been seen on CCTV footage trying door handles to vehicles and houses in early hours of the morning in the last few days.

The reports of suspicious behaviour have been around Aintree Racecourse, School Lane, Aintree Lane and Altway.

An investigation is underway with officers carrying out enquiries and is appealing for people with information to come forward.

We have stepped up proactive patrols in the area looking to target them.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Ray Mavrakakis said: “We have received several reports that people have been looking into cars and trying the door handles, in some instances they have tried house doors as well.

“Thankfully nothing has been stolen, but I urge people to stay vigilant and ensure your property is secure. We understand that as well as suffering the loss of items, the victim has to deal with the stress and inconvenience of having to fix any damage is caused to their property. 

“I appeal for people to report any suspicious behaviour to us, and please check your home CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage for any footage which may help us identify the offenders. Any information no matter how small could be vital in tracking down those responsible and bringing them to justice.”

Officers are urging people to be vigilant and advising what steps you can take to keep your vehicles safe and secure.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Mavrakakis added: “There are also some simple measures you can take to prevent your vehicle being an easy target.
“Always leave your vehicle in the safest place possible or an area that is well overlooked with good lighting.

“Further information on how to prevent your property can be found on our Crime Prevention page  here: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/.”

The following advice could prevent you from becoming a victim of car theft:
• When locking the car make sure that any security devices are activated
• Don't leave car keys visible from windows, in back doors or where they could be accessible from a letter box
• If you haven't got them already, look to install wheel locks and hide the lock nut somewhere safe in the vehicle but not in an obvious place. It is better to take the lock nut with you
• Park in well lit areas and consider where you are parking in the day if the car is being left there overnight or you are not returning to the car until dark
• Where possible park in Park Mark Safer Parking car parks which have been approved by police
• Don't leave your car engine running unattended - not only is that an offence on a main road it is an open invitation to thieves
• Property - including small amounts of cash, CDs, clothing or bags - should not be left on view in a parked vehicle. They may not be worth much to you but they are to a thief
• When putting items into the boot of an unattended car this should be done before arrival at the intended parking place so that a thief cannot observe what is being put in the boot
• If they can be removed, Sat Nav systems, including leads, should not be left in vehicles
• If you need further crime reduction advice contact your local neighbourhood policing team

We urge anyone who has any intelligence into these incidents in Aintree to email information to [email protected] or contact Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC so we can investigate.

You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.