Warning issued after spate of vehicle thefts
MOTORISTS are being warned to secure their cars after a spate of break-ins around South Holland.
In the past month, there have been 42 vehicle crimes recorded in the area, 16 of which involved cars being taken.
Crime reduction officer Pete Tyrrel, of Spalding Police, is warning people not to leave their keys in the car – even if it’s just for a minute or two.
He said: “People have lost their keys and then a couple of weeks later their car is taken.
“Don’t leave anything in the car that thieves might want, such as sat navs, handbags, wallets, tax discs and CDs.
“If you use a sat nav system, make sure you remove the marks from the window when you take it out, because criminals see them and think the device is still in the car.”
Two cars parked on Barge Road, in Holbeach St Matthew’s, were targeted between 1pm and 2pm last Wednesday while the owners were walking their dogs.
Offenders smashed windows on the cars and stole a handbag from one of them.
Police are particularly interested in locating a middle-aged man who was wearing a red jacket and riding a motorbike who may be a witness.
Sgt Stuart Brotherton, of Spalding Police, added: “We are urging people to avoid leaving their vehicles in secluded spots and to make sure they are locked and that all valuables have been removed.
“Most criminals are opportunistic and people who leave things in their cars are sitting ducks.”
Mr Tyrrel added: “When you park your car look around for signs of broken glass and try to park near lighting if it will be dark when you come back.”
Number plates are also being targeted and Mr Tyrrel said they are often stolen and then used by the thieves to steal petrol.
He said: “You can get secure screws that break the number plate if people tamper with them.
l Anyone with information about any of these incidents should call Spalding Police Station on 01775 722233.
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Weather for Spalding
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
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