Neighbourhood Watch

Winter Vehicle Crime

Don't get left out in the cold this winter ....

Summer is coming to a close and before long we will all be rising to dark mornings, frosty paths and frozen windscreens.

This drop in temperature (and visibility) leads to increased opportunities for car thieves.

Cars are left on driveways with engines running, heaters blasting and keys in the ignition.

Christmas shopping starts with a vengeance; with shoppers leaving presents in their cars while they return for those last few bits and pieces.

Both of these scenarios are commonplace, and unfortunately so are reports of cars being stolen or broken into.

Motorists can help themselves by using warm water to defrost their windscreens rather than leaving their vehicles unattended with the engine running.

When shopping, customers should ask stores to hold their goods for them to collect on the way back to their car. Unfortunately, car thieves have got wise about shoppers storing parcels in their boot, so this should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Additionally, if going away over the Christmas period, it is not advisable to pack the car the night before - the car thief could disappear with both car and contents!

By heeding this advice it is hoped that motorists can reduce their chances of victimisation and enjoy a crime free festive period.

This problem still exists in our area please be very careful who you let into your house and or who keeps you talking for a length of time at the front door. These people will pray on anyone if in doubt keep them out and phone the police.

You may or not be aware that a break in took place in the village the other night. A garage was broken into, please be extremely vigilant to stop this happening again and if anyone knows anything at all about this occurrence then can they please let me or the police know.

Don’t forget Christmas means bigger takings for the burglar with presents around the tree, please keep your eyes open for report anything suspicious to the police.