Other significant areas of reduction include theft from motor vehicles – down by 29.4%.
Thieves breaking into cars remains a problem - yet this type of crime is one of the easiest to prevent!
Here is a list of some of the property stolen from cars in Middlesbrough in 2009:
- 268 Sat Nav’s
- 122 mobile phones
- 123 CD players
- 22 laptop computers
- 43 iPods
These electronic goods are the favourite targets for thieves and should never be left in your vehicle. Also, be careful not to leave tell-tale signs of these valuables, for example a Sat-Nav cradle left stuck on the windscreen or even sucker marks of the cradle! Thieves often read these as signs that other goods are hidden in the car, maybe in the glove box or under the seat and may break in to have a look. Of course – you are then left with the hassle and cost of clearing up.
Thieves aren’t particularly choosy - they will nick anything. The list of stolen property also includes –
- Bridal shoes
- Marriage and birth certificates
- Angina spray
- Motor cycle helmet
- Ladies bowler hat
- And some chocolate biscuits!
So the message is simple - don’t leave property in your vehicle – whilst you are working or shopping and especially when left unattended overnight.
If you leave it – someone will thieve it! Take the time to stop a crime!
… a message from your local car criminal …….
