Motorists urged to remove valuables from cars

Theft from a vehicle

Motorists are being reminded not to leave valuables in their vehicles in and around Rochdale Town Centre.

Since 15 July there have been eight thefts from vehicles and one car stolen in the area, with CD players and satellite navigation systems among the items taken.

To address the problem, police will be carrying out joint patrols with community safety officers in vehicle crime hotspots and placing warning notices on windscreens.

A mobile CCTV van will also be used to gather evidence of criminal activity and stop checks will be carried out on suspects.

In addition, a marquee will be located on Matalan car park on Wednesday 6 August from 12noon until 4.00pm. Police community support officers and Rochdale Council’s Community Safety Team will be available to advise motorists on property marking and to ensure that registration plates are properly secure.

Inspector James Troisi of the Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “These thefts have been happening during the day, where people have left their cars on the edge of town in order to avoid parking charges.

“Unfortunately, there tend to be more opportunities for thieves in quieter areas, and hiding items in glove compartments is not necessarily going to deter them. We would therefore advise that valuables should always be removed from vehicles when they are left unattended, and I would encourage as many people as possible to attend the crime-prevention day on 6 August.”

To report crime, call police on 0161 872 5050 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.