Keep your vehicles safe, police warn (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Keep your vehicles safe, Gloucestershire police warn

11:01am Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Ian Craig

AS THE nights become shorter, drivers in the Cotswolds are urged to take precautions to protect their vehicles.

Gloucestershire police and the district Safer and Stronger Community Partnership have issued a series of advice to drivers to minimise risks when leaving their vehicles unattended.

The force’s crime reduction officer Constable Mark Godsland suggested urged residents to take a few simple steps to prevent their cars from being broken into.

"Firstly, we would advise drivers to lock their vehicles whenever they are left unattended,” he said.

“It seems obvious, but we have had numerous examples of people having had property stolen from their vehicle after leaving it unlocked.

“Some people think that they can leave vehicle doors unlocked if they live in a rural area, but thieves do not just operate in towns and cities.”

He added drivers should be careful to leave nothing on display when parking.

“Leaving high value, removable items on display is just asking for trouble,” he said. “This applies as much to items such as CDs or sunglasses as it does to very valuable items like laptop computers, Sat Nav and removable stereos.

“By doing this motorists can significantly reduce their chances and opportunity of becoming a victim of car crime.”

Thirdly, he advised motorcycle owners to use precautions such as steering locks, alarms, immobilisers or chaining the vehicle to the ground where possible.

“In addition, multi-layered electronic identification and anti-theft systems should be considered, which enables the police to identify the true owner of any tagged motorcycle, even if the number plate and standard identification numbers have been removed or changed,” he said.

For more information on crime reduction click here.