UNDERCOVER COPS SET TO TACKLE RISING CAR CRIME

UNDERCOVER operations are taking place across Nuneaton and Bedworth as police attempt to put the brakes on a rise in car crime.

Shock statistics have revealed that, since April, there has been more offences of aggravated vehicle takings and interference with cars across the borough compared to the same time last year.

In April last year there were 76 different types of car crime reported but this April there were 102, similarly in May 2016 there were 68 crimes while there were 112 reported this May and in August last year were 94 car crimes recorded, whereas there were 131 this August.

With this in mind, police have put an operation in place to try and put a stop to the rise and this includes what have been described as ‘high visibility and covert policing plans’ in place.

Full details of the operation have not been revealed but police chiefs have said that they have identified a series of ‘hotspot’ areas and the sting has been tailor-made to try and stop the increase in car crime.

Inspector Julia Brealey said: “We are aware of an increase in vehicle crime in Nuneaton and Bedworth , this is reflected across the whole of the county. We have a dedicated operation in place to address the issue. The aims of the operation are to prevent car crime, deter those who would commit such crimes and catch those responsible.

“We have identified hotspot areas in Nuneaton and Bedworth and have high visibility and covert policing plans in place for these areas.

“We would also like to remind people that there are some simple precautions people can take to protect their vehicles and belongings.”

Police say that motorists can play their part in helping them to stop car crime by stepping up their own security.

This includes: checking doors, windows and sun roofs are locked; not leaving any items on display, park in well-lit areas and, when at home, keep car keys away from doors and windows and out of sight.

Anyone who has any information about who is responsible for the spate of vehicle crime or who has spotted anyone acting suspiciously in their neighbourhood should contact police on 101 or the Crimestoppers hotline, which is free to call from a landline and confidential, on 0800 555 111.