Warning for rail commuters

Commuters travelling to Manchester rail stations are being warned by British Transport Police to be on their guard.

The warning comes following an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles parked at Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly.

In many cases the thieves have stolen sat nav systems and stereos – and seem to have targeted cars and vans in which owners have left tell-tale signs that expensive equipment may be onboard.

Sergeant Duncan Berry, of BTP’s Manchester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Sadly too many people are advertising their gadgets to would-be thieves.

“Sat nav systems often attach to the windscreen of a car via a suction pad and when removed these leave marks on the windscreen.

“Thieves are aware of this and will look for cars with these marks – as they signal that a sat nav might be on board.

“Similarly some motorists leave removable fascias on their stereos, inviting thieves to take a sound system that can then be used in other vehicles.”

During the past few weeks the NPT has been working to reduce the number of thefts by educating motorists and Sgt Berry says this work will continue until the thieves are thwarted.

He added: “Our officers and crime reduction advisors have been out and about across Manchester speaking to motorists and showing them how to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.

“We have given out anti-marking cloths to remove suction marks from windscreens, handed out property marking pens, targeted known offenders and spoken to local businesses to educate staff who may use the car parks.

“But I also want other motorists to be aware of the issue and take a few simple steps to beat the thieves.

“Always remove any signs that a sat nave is in use when you leave your vehicle, just wiping away suction marks and hiding any leads can be enough to stop thieves eyeing up your car.

“Take all removable fascias off stereos when you leave your car and make sure any mp3 accessories or removed or out of sight.

“Finally, where possible remove all other gadgets – or expensive items – from view. Most thieves are opportunistic and will look for easy targets. By reducing the number of items on show we can seriously restrict the number of thefts.”

BTP officers will continue to patrol in and around Manchester’s railway car parks and will continue to hand out advice to motorists.

If you have information about this type of crime please contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.