POLICE ISSUE RUCKSACKS TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CAR CRIME
By blacksteff0 | Monday, July 06, 2009, 06:17
Police in rural Dorset will be issuing hundreds of nylon drawstring rucksacks to encourage people to take their personal belongings with them during visits to beauty spot areas.The idea has been put in motion as beauty spot thefts are on the increase.So far this year (up until the end of May 2009), there have been 87 crimes of theft from motor vehicles at beauty spots in Dorset County Division (which includes Weymouth & Portland, Dorchester & Sherborne, Bridport, North Dorset, East Dorset, Purbeck and Christchurch), 70 of these crimes have involved a handbag or other type of bag being stolen from a vehicle whilst the owner has been out enjoying the countryside.More than two thousand nylon black rucksacks which says: “We are also watching you, no valuables left in my car” printed on the back, will be distributed by 54 Safer Neighbourhood Teams across Dorset County over the next few weeks. These will be combined with posters giving the message “Who’s watching you trying to hide your property in your car? Take it with you.”People will be encouraged to use the bags to take their belongings with them when visiting Dorset’s countryside.PC Mark Harper, Crime Reduction Officer for Dorset Police, said: “It is quite normal to see a rise in thefts from motor vehicles at beauty spot car parks at this time of year, due to the warm weather. However, visitors are still not taking their belongings with them and are paying the price.
Comments
Seems a shame that the answer to crime is to prevent us leaving things in our own cars.
By E_Griffin at 23:18 on 11/07/09
ReportWe all hide our things in the same places though; how many places can one hide something in a car.... maybe we shouldnt turn this into a theft guide. This is an excellent idea. no temptation; no crime. Great initiative.
By INLUMINO at 12:57 on 08/07/09
ReportWhat a clever idea. I hope it has an impact. I always make sure my things are hidden but maybe that's not enough.
By captainplanet at 11:47 on 06/07/09
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