Police warning after incidents of car crime

Perth and Kinross police are telling drivers to be aware after a spate of attempted vehicle crime.

Local area commander CI Ian Binnie released advise on how people can secure their cars and protect possessions.

He said this was“particularly pertinent as we transition from summer to autumn and face darker evenings, which provides increased opportunity for criminals to operate”.

Advice includes:

• Permanently mark any valuables you use in the vehicle, such as a Sat Nav, with your postcode and house number/name and register equipment at www. immobilise.com

• Fit a car alarm.

• Use locking wheel nuts to prevent the theft of your wheels.

• Never leave a car unattended to defrost windows with the keys in the ignition.

• Always remove keys from the ignition and lock your car if you need to walk to the petrol station shop to pay for your fuel.

• Keep your car off the street if possible. If you’re at home and you have a garage then use it. Make sure you lock both the car and the garage.

• If you do not have a garage, make use of the driveway if you have one.

• If parking in public or using airport parking, look for a car park with the Park Mark sign. These designated car parks have complied with specific measures to deter crime and anti-social behaviour.

• Do not park in isolated or remote areas. Whenever possible, park in a busy, well-lit and CCTV covered area.

• Try and park close to the exit.

• Lock all items out of sight. Do not leave anything on display and take valuables, particularly power tools.

• Leave the glove box empty and open. • If you have a Sat Nav, hide the cradle, take the system with you and wipe the suction marks off the window.

• If you have personal correspondence in the vehicle, then take it with you.

• Use an electronic or mechanical immobiliser such as a steering lock.

• If you have an alarm then make sure it is set.

• MLA approved locksmiths can help with vehicle keys and locks if required.