56 thefts from vehicles in six weeks

56 thefts from vehicles in six weeks

Police in Middleton and Heywood are reminding motorists to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables - including sat navs, iPods, mobile phones and clothing - when leaving them unattended.

The message comes after 56 thefts from vehicles across the borough in the last six weeks, with 28 of those being from insecure vehicles.

Police are now carrying out plain-clothed patrols in these areas to target offenders.

Detective Sergeant Diane Johnson of GMP’s Rochdale Division said: "We are asking people to help reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime by thinking very carefully about where they park their vehicle and how they secure it. Members of the public are also urged to call police on 101 if they see anything suspicious or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”

Taking the following simple steps could significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of vehicle crime:

• Remove all valuables — never leave anything on display 
• Take portable Sat Navs and the support cradle with you and make sure that those tell-tale suction pad marks are wiped away 
• Never leave valuables in the glove box as this is the first place thieves look 
• Security mark all valuables in the car, such as Sat Navs and iPods, using an ultraviolet pen and keep a record of all property marked along with make, model and serial number 
• Lock all windows, doors and the sun roof whenever you leave the vehicle, even for just a few minutes 
• Fit an alarm and always use it 
• All new cars are fitted with electronic immobilisers but if your car is older, consider having an immobiliser professionally fitted 
• Fit a locking petrol cap, wheel nuts and safe plate number plate security screws (available via the internet) 
• Consider fitting a vehicle tracking device 
• Never leave keys in the ignition — even for just a few seconds.