Give Thieves the Cold Shoulder this Winter Urge Police

Date published: 13/11/2009

Police in Rossendale are urging motorists to give thieves the cold shoulder this winter. 

In particular they are appealing for drivers not to make it easy for thieves by leaving cars unattended with keys in the ignition – especially with the frost weather now upon us. 

The warning follows a number of thefts which officers say could have been prevented:
· At 7.30 am on Friday 6th November, an £8000 Ford C-Max was stolen from outside an address in Lumb, Rossendale. The vehicle had been left unattended, with the engine running whilst the owner left it to defrost.
· At 8.45pm on Tuesday 20th October, an offender entered and stole a £4000 Mercedes sprinter van that was unattended with its engine running in the Bacup area.
· At 12.40 pm on Tuesday 27th October, an offender entered and stole a Citroen Berlingo in Bacup that had been left insecure with keys in the ignition.
· At 12.20pm on Wednesday 4th November, an offender entered a £6000 ford transit van that had been left insecure, found the keys in a jacket within the vehicle and stole that vehicle.
· At 2.10pm on Saturday 31st October an offender entered and stole a £22000 truck that had been left insecure with its engine running in Whitworth. 

Rossendale Crime Prevention Officer, PC Phil Buck said: “It only takes a few seconds for a thief to drive away in your vehicle. Please don’t make it easy for them. Please ensure you never leave keys in the vehicle and if you are defrosting your car or van, stay with it whilst it is being de-frosted.

“We know from past experience that some car thieves specifically target vehicles that they see sitting on driveways with the engines running. As soon as the owner goes inside the house they take their chance and drive the vehicle away.

“Don’t give thieves an easy ride, ensure your car is locked and secure at all times.”

PC Buck has put together a top 12 set of tips that if followed, will dramatically reduce the likelihood of someone becoming the victim of property crime. These tips cover homes and vehicles

· Always close and lock front and rear doors even when in the house. 

· Close and lock side and rear gates that give access to the back of your home. 

· Maintain your house alarm and always set it when away from the house and at night. 

· Never leave keys in doors or on open view.
 
· Ensure ground floor windows, and those above flat roofs or kitchen extensions are closed correctly and locked at night. 

· Keep removable valuables, particularly laptop computers and handbags out of site. 

· Keep your vehicle in a well-lit area, preferably in a garage or on the drive. 

· Never leave property in your vehicle; particularly stereos, satellite navigation equipment, handbags and jackets. 

· Make sure the vehicle is locked; ensure the key fob has worked. 

· Never leave your vehicle unattended whilst it defrosts. 

· Ensure your shed has a good quality lock. 

· Make your home look occupied; particularly in the early evening as the dark nights draw in by use of timer switches attached to lamps and a radio. 

Anyone who wants additional advice can contact Police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or pop into a local police station and pick up a crime prevention leaflet