News : Roundswell & Sticklepath

VEHICLE CRIME REDUCTION

Vehicle crime is something that we rarely think about on a day to day basis.  But the fact is it does happen.  We often read about it in the local newspaper but it is very easy to assume that the next victim will be someone else.
Crime levels across North Devon are low, they always have been.  Low crime           reinforces the belief that we are unlikely to become a victim in the future.  We cannot raise the awareness of crime without simultaneously raising the fear of crime.  This is clearly a  double-edged sword as we do have people in out communities who feel    vulnerable and we have no wish to increase their concerns.  However, if we had no fear of crime would we lock our doors when we leave our home unoccupied, or would we take the keys out of the ignition when we leave our car?

WILL YOU BECOME A VICTIM OF CAR CRIME?

In this area 1 motorist in every 1000 will have their car broken into.  This equates to 1500 local victims each year, with one local car broken into every 6 hours.  For each of these victims, the experience of car crime is personal, traumatic, annoying,                inconvenient and always costly.
Property most regularly stolen from vehicles is the CD player, other types of property that are also appealing to thief’s are CD’s, mobile phones, wallets, purses, clothing, handbags, sports equipment and tools.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

Very often this type of offence is totally preventable.  Not all thefts are carried out by  career criminals who are specifically looking for something to steal.  A great deal of crime occurs as a result of a person seeing something of value, which is poorly        secured, and in a place that reduces the chances of the offender being caught.         Removing the temptation is a pre-requisite to all crime reduction, and it is extremely effective.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO REDUCE THE RISK OF VEHICLE CRIME HAPPENING TO YOU?

Check your car before you leave it and remove all property from view.  This is the single most effective measure that you can take.
Display a free Too Late card in your windscreen when you leave your vehicle.  The card clearly indicates that you have taken your property with you.  Over 30 local garages have Too Late cards available, usually around the till area.  Or you can collect one from your local police station.
Close your windows and sun roof when you park
Lock your car and take the keys with you
Your first choice should be to park your car in a locked garage, if this is not possible,
Park in a well lit area, where possible
Report suspicious behaviour
Use your car alarm and immobiliser
Crime Reduction Team
Barnstaple Police Station