Keep your car secure this Christmas
In the run up to Christmas, Merseyside Police is reminding drivers to be vigilant against thieves seeking to ruin the season by stealing cars and items from cars.
The force receives reports of cars being taken from driveways and outside homes, in the run up to Christmas every year, when keys are left near to the front door or even when engines are left running.
Yesterday alone, six stolen vehicles were recovered by police officers on Merseyside, working in conjunction with Cheshire Police and the North West Motorway Police Group (NWMPG) within a matter of hours.
Officers recovered a Peugeot motorhome after stopping it at the Rocket junction at around 8am and detaining the driver on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, disqualified driving and drug driving.
A number of other vehicles were also recovered during the day in the Bowring Park and Stockbridge village areas. Theft of items including shopping and presents from cars is also particularly prevalent during the winter months. The majority of these thefts are opportunistic thieves, from insecure vehicles, with the offenders simply trying their luck with insecure doors and taking anything readily to hand. Superintendent Louise Harrison said: “We recognise that any car crime can have a huge impact on victims, particularly when cars or expensive items, such as Christmas presents are stolen. It’s important to be extra-vigilant and ensure your car is secure – many car thefts can be prevented by taking very simple steps such as making sure your car is locked and parked on a driveway or well-lit area, where possible. “We’d also like to remind people not to leave car keys in the reach of letter boxes in the home and also be mindful of leaving vehicles unattended, with the engine running, when defrosting their windscreens in frosty weather. Not only is it an offence to leave a car unattended with the engine running on a road, it also voids the insurance should it be stolen. “If you need to leave items, such as presents and shopping in the car, don’t leave them on display, leave them in the boot or under the front seat rather than on the seats, this will reduce the risk of being targeted. “Please take a moment to think about the security of your car before a thief ruins Christmas for you and your family.”
Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal your car or something from your car:
Do not leave keys on view where they can be seen and fished through the letter box
Don't leave your car keys on display (on window ledges/worktops)
Never leave valuable items in your car, including sunglasses, the removable radio cover and your Sat Nav. Do you really need all those things you keep in the glove box?
Never leave your car keys where they can be seen from the front door
Always close the windows and sunroof; lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended
Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long time. If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area and try to avoid parking your vehicle in quiet side roads where offenders are able to act unobserved
Never leave cash, credit cards, chequebook, mobile phones, vehicle documents or other valuables in the car
Never leave your keys in the car, even for a second - treat them as you would your cash and credit cards
Never leave goods, clothing or even empty carrier bags or containers in the vehicle
Take all your belongings with you, or if you can’t, lock them in the boot
Car owners should also be mindful of leaving their vehicle unattended, with the engine running, when defrosting their windscreens in the mornings during a cold snap. Not only is it an offence to leave their car unattended with the engine running on a road, it also voids insurance should it be stolen
