Shoppers reminded about Christmas car crime

Inspector Lin Houldershaw with the vechile at the Butts in the town centre.

A car filled with Christmas presents has been at the Butts in Rochdale to remind shoppers to remove valuables from their vehicles.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team spoke to shoppers in the town centre about thieves looking out for their own holiday goodies and gave out crime prevention advice, air fresheners with security messages and key rings about removing possessions from vehicles.

The officers were accompanied by a car filled with Christmas presents and shopping in the boot, depicting a typical festive shopping scene.

Inspector Lin Houldershaw from Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “While our figures for theft from motor vehicles have dropped by 130 offences compared to 392 between April and October the previous year it is still important to remind everyone that this is the time of year when the most people shop for presents and so thieves will be looking for opportunities to take what they can off your hands.

“Please remember to remove all valuables and presents from your vehicle. This can dramatically reduce the chances of your car being broken into.

“Your car being broken into is a stressful experience for anyone at the best of time but is a particular problem during the festive season when there are increased expenses. This is why it is important we take these important security steps to prevent offenders from stealing our property.

“People are always walking or driving down the Butts which makes this the ideal location for us to raise awareness and help reduce the risk of the community falling victim to this crime.”

The initiative was a part of a Christmas campaign to raise awareness of burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, alcohol consumption and the consequences of disorderly behaviour.