Police appeal to motorists not to leave valuables in vehicles
Monday, 6th June 2011.
A drastic increase in the level of thefts from motor vehicles in Haverhill has led to police issuing a warning to motorists.
The main targets in recent weeks have been tools from vans and satnavs from cars.
PC Mike Potter of Haverhill Safer Neighbourhood Team said they were urging motorists not to leave valuable items on display, or even any trace of evidence that valuable items might be in the vehicle.
This is particularly true of satnavs, where thieves look out for holders, chargers and even the mark left on the windscreen by the sucker.
"Please remove all equipment and any trace of it being used," said PC Potter. "We realise this can be an inconvenience to members of the community, but it is the way to prevent thefts."
Since April 1 there have been 13 satnavs stolen from cars, while in recent weeks half a dozen vans have had tools stolen.
The thefts happen at night, so PC Potter urged anyone who saw people spending time hanging around a car or looking into it to let police or Crimestoppers know immediately.
The thefts have occurred all over the town, so it is not known whether it is the work of one group of operators or not.
"Another question is about where the stiff is going," said PC Potter. "If you see transactions in a pub or on the street where a satnav is being offered for sale without the box or the instructions, please let us know."
In the case of vans with tools inside, often worth thousands of pounds, PC Potter urged the owners to take the tools indoors overnight, even though this might prove an inconvenience.
Because of the value of the items involved, he also suggested they should look into having more sophisticated alarms fitted.
The main targets in recent weeks have been tools from vans and satnavs from cars.
PC Mike Potter of Haverhill Safer Neighbourhood Team said they were urging motorists not to leave valuable items on display, or even any trace of evidence that valuable items might be in the vehicle.
This is particularly true of satnavs, where thieves look out for holders, chargers and even the mark left on the windscreen by the sucker.
"Please remove all equipment and any trace of it being used," said PC Potter. "We realise this can be an inconvenience to members of the community, but it is the way to prevent thefts."
Since April 1 there have been 13 satnavs stolen from cars, while in recent weeks half a dozen vans have had tools stolen.
The thefts happen at night, so PC Potter urged anyone who saw people spending time hanging around a car or looking into it to let police or Crimestoppers know immediately.
The thefts have occurred all over the town, so it is not known whether it is the work of one group of operators or not.
"Another question is about where the stiff is going," said PC Potter. "If you see transactions in a pub or on the street where a satnav is being offered for sale without the box or the instructions, please let us know."
In the case of vans with tools inside, often worth thousands of pounds, PC Potter urged the owners to take the tools indoors overnight, even though this might prove an inconvenience.
Because of the value of the items involved, he also suggested they should look into having more sophisticated alarms fitted.
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