Community safety partnership issues warning to prevent theft from vehicles

The Dorset

1.  

   Don't leave valuables in your car !

 

Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is reminding motorists to secure their vehicles and empty

them of any valuables.

As

weather improves so does the popularity of Dorset's

beauty spots. With many vehicles being left in remote locations, it is

important that people remove all valuable items, such as handbags, mobile

phones, laptops and satellite navigations systems, from their vehicles.

Councillor

Ray Nottage, Chair of Dorset Community Safety Partnership, said: "Our message is clear and the advice is simple. If you want to reduce

the chances of your vehicle being targeted – while parked on driveways,

roadsides, in towns and villages and particularly remote locations and beauty

spots – remove all valuables from your vehicle and make sure it is

secure.

"Often people are far too complacent and leave

things like laptops, bags and cash on display in their vehicles. This leaves

their vehicles vulnerable and more likely to be targeted by any would-be car

criminal"

Dorset

Community Safety Partnership is giving the following advice to members of the

public:

·       

Don't leave any valuable

possessions in your vehicle – not even in the boot.

·       

Satellite navigation equipment is

a favourite among thieves – make sure you remove the unit AND the cradle,

rubbing out any sucker marks.

·       

Lock your car's doors and

boot and close the windows and sunroof each time you leave it unoccupied, even

when paying for petrol.

·       

Use the security devices in your

vehicle – fit an alarm if you do not have one.

·       

If your vehicle is broken into,

call Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22.  Only dial 999 if life is

in danger or a crime is in progress.

·       

Park in well lit and open

locations.

·       

Look out for car parks displaying

the Park Mark logo – this tells you the car park has achieved a

'safer parking' status.

 

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For more information visit www.dorset.police.uk

If you have information about a crime you can contact

Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 in confidence, your call will not

be traced and you may receive a cash reward.