Help police put brakes on car crime

Date published: 01 October 2007

Rochdale police are calling on all car owners to 'lock it before they lose it'.

While there are a number of continuous operations aimed at tackling vehicle crime, there are plenty of things drivers can do to make their cars less of a target for thieves.

One of the main ways criminals are constantly getting into cars is through drivers leaving windows open and doors unlocked.

Leaving valuables such as sat-navs, CD radios, laptops or mobile phones on show in a car is an invitation for criminals to help themselves. The advice is to get into the habit of removing anything of value from the car altogether, particularly in the run up to Christmas.

Plus, police have found that people are still leaving their cars in car parks with poor lighting, staff or CCTV security or on unlit streets instead of a locked garage.

Brian Farr, Rochdale Crime Reduction Advisor says: "Car crime can be tackled more effectively if people follow the simple advice given. With people's vigilance and care we are determined to bring down the numbers of cars stolen or broken into."

Rochdale's Crime Scene Investigation unit also provide a 'Car Clinic' for people who have been a victim of car crime. To make an appointment call 0161 856 8568, and quote the crime number. At the clinic the car will be forensically checked for fingerprints and DNA.

The clinic is based at Rochdale police HQ and runs Monday to Friday between 8am - 9.30am and 2pm - 3.30pm.

Rochdale Police have the following advice for car owners on how to avoid becoming a victim of car crime:

• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible. 
• When you leave your car make sure all windows are closed, doors are locked and activate the immobiliser if you have one.
• Always remove your keys when you park even it its only for a few seconds at a petrol station.
• Use a steering lock 
• Fit an alarm or tracker system .
• Remove all valuables from the car as thieves often break in to check the glove box. When you remove sat nav systems remember to remove their mounting cradles and wipe away and sucker marks too. 
• Security mark sat navs, radios and other car accessories with your house number and post code. 
• If you have a garage put your car in it and keep both locked. 
• Keep car keys hidden at home and away from doors or windows.