Drivers urged to keep a 'clean car'

POLICE are reminding people in and around the Yeovil area to keep a "clean car" and not leave any items on display to tempt would-be thieves.

Theft from cars tends to increase with the arrival of the warmer weather and police are reminding the public to help stop thieves from helping themselves.

And although we might not be experiencing the warmer weather just yet – we are now entering a holiday period where people might be more lapse in their car crime prevention.

It is not just Sat-Navs, phones or other electronic items that need to be out of sight – that muddy old coat or rucksack on the back seat may be worthless, but a thief will not know if you have left money or cards in the pocket or not.

It is a good idea not to leave i-pod or Sat-Nav leads on display either as thieves will be tempted to check under the seats or in glove boxes to find the gadget. Do not create temptation.

Having your car broken in to is not just an inconvenience, once you have gone through the disruption of having your car repaired and the insurance process, most of the time it leaves you out of pocket as the excess is normally more than the value of the goods stolen.

Locking items out of sight in the boot is preferable to leaving them on display in the car. However, it isn't guaranteed to keep them safe.

On a positive note everyone can actively and dramatically minimise the risk of having their car broken in to by taking some simple and inexpensive measures to deter thieves.

· Lock the doors, windows, boot and sunroof every time you leave your car - however briefly.

· Keep a "clean" car, don't leave anything on display valuable or not. Remember, the cost of replacing a broken window is often far more than the value of goods stolen.

· Try and park in designated, busy and well-lit places. Avoid leaving your car in isolated dark spots particularly overnight.

· If you are parking in isolated car parks for extended periods for example to go walking, take everything with you. Leave valuables at home where possible. Be aware of who might be watching you if you are locking things in the boot.

· Never leave the following anywhere in your car:

· Cheque, credit and debit cards.

· Driving documents and personal correspondence. They could help a thief to sell your car or provide a cover story if stopped by the police.

· Cash, wallets or handbags.

· Satellite navigation systems.

· Mobile phones. 40% of car break-ins involve the theft of a mobile phone. Mark your phone and battery with your postcode and keep a note of its serial number in a safe place. This will help the police reunite the phone with its owner if it is stolen and subsequently recovered.

· Radio/Cassette Players/CD Players should always be removed where possible. All equipment should be marked both visibly and permanently with the vehicle registration number. Make a note of the serial number and keep it in a safe place. 

· Register your car and its contents with Immobilise.com . 

If you should see someone acting suspiciously please report this to police using the 999 number. For non-emergency calls dial 101 or contact them online via our website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact - alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 - they never ask your name or trace the call.

Tags:
News.