Warning over thefts from cars
AWARNING has been issued after a spate of thefts from vehicles in Southport and surrounding areas.
Merseyside Police claim that “a number” of thefts from cars and vans have been reported during the past week.
They have confirmed that in all the cases, the methods of entry are unknown, but no damage was caused to the vehicles.
Community Policing Inspector Graham Fisher added: “We have had recent theft from motor vehicles offences in Southport, Birkdale and Formby and I want to emphasise that many of these have involved victims with unlocked vehicles.
“Please listen to our crime prevention advice and don’t leave yourself, and your vehicle, open to opportunistic thieves. They will try car handles, hoping for an easy target, and we want to make it impossible for thieves to operate in our communities.
“Our enquiries are ongoing and please come forward if you have seen anything suspicious, or have CCTV or dashcam footage and we will take action.”
Following the recent increase in reports, officers have issued advice to car-owners to help prevent them becoming a victim to the thefts.
They suggest locking your car everytime you leave it, keep your keys out of sight once you have locked the vehicle, use a car alarm, put your car in the garage if you have one and park in a well-lit area.
Using a property marking system, such as Smartwater (which is available from your local policing team), is also advised to help deter thefts and identify stolen vehicles and parts.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “Especially do not leave anything of value in your car; Wallets phones, laptops/Ipads, satellite navigation systems etc. and always wipe the tell tale marks off your windscreen that tell would be criminals that a sat nav ‘may’ be kept inside the vehicle.
“Don’t even leave a coat or plastic bag on a seat.
“Thieves hate two things; light and noise. So consider adding any measures that will light them up and draw attention to them.
“Remember, whatever the age or condition of your car, or motorcycle, it may still be a target for thieves.”
If residents see any suspicious activity around unattended vehicles, officers are urging them to dial 999 immediately.
Additonally, anyone who has information about who is committing vehicle crime in your area or where stolen goods are being stored is asked to call the police directly on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.