Police Issue Vehicle Crime Prevention Tips

Incidents of vehicle crime have been reported across Cleveland, leading to the Force raising awareness of how to keep vehicles as safe as possible, in order to deter criminals.

In many instances, criminals are able to access vehicles through various methods, such as removing or damaging certain parts. Please remain vigilant and keep an eye out for any signs of anyone tampering with external areas of your vehicle.

Officers would advise vehicle owners to keep any valuables out of sight and always ensure that they are kept locked.

Further crime prevention advice includes:

• Additional locks, such as steering wheel locks, can deter and prevent theft. Immobilisers also help to prevent theft and tracking devices increase the likelihood of vehicle recovery.
  
  
• Keep your keys safe and out of view. Thieves can exploit keyless entry vehicles through amplifying the signal from your keys. Ensure that the keys to these vehicles are kept in signal blocking pouches.
  
  
• Try to park your vehicle where it will be visible. Dark and secluded areas can be attractive to thieves. If using a car park, those which are Park Mark approved are assessed every year.
  
  
• Locking your vehicle greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunist criminal. When locking, ensure that windows and sunroofs are closed and that nothing of value is left on display.
  
  

Anyone wishing to speak to an officer about vehicle security can call 101 or further information is available on the Cleveland Police website: www.cleveland.police.uk