DISTRACTION THEFT DURING TEST DRIVES

AVCIS, the Association of Chief Police Officers Vehicle Crime Intelligent Service, is warning private car sellers to be wary of prospective buyers, after a recent spate of car thefts during test drives.

“Private sellers are being duped by thieves who suggest that the car has a problem, such as a knocking sound or open car boot, which requires the seller to check the outside of the vehicle. The victim pulls over and leaves the car to check the problem and the thief drives off with the vehicle. In one instance the victim sustained injuries through being run over as the thief drove the car away. There is an increasing occurrence of car theft in this manner and these recent distraction thefts highlight the need for private sellers to put their security first and only leave the vehicle if the keys are in their possession. Our advice is to never leave the purchaser alone in the vehicle. Bringing along a friend or relative will also help to deter a prospective thief, as the vehicle is always be occupied.” warns Head of AVCIS, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hooper.

Most motor policies exclude theft by deception, and a car being driven off by a thief during a test drive could be classified within this. Requesting a copy of the prospective purchasers’ insurance and driver’s license is advocated, as the purchaser must be legally entitled to test drive the vehicle. Third party insurance cover will ensure that the seller is covered in the event of an accident when driven by the prospective purchaser.

The forthcoming Car Crime Awareness Week from 17 May to 23 May 2010, organised by AVCIS, aims to draw attention to the need for vigilance by motorists to avoid becoming the victim of crime and drive down crime rates. Distraction theft is just one of many areas which will be highlighted during this new annual initiative.

NEXT OF KIN APPEAL MARGARET THOMSON...

LIVERPOOL Coroners Office is appealing for help in tracing the next of kin of 93 year old Margaret Thomson who died on Friday, 30 April 2010.

Margaret, of Nicander Road, Mossley Hill, died in hospital on Friday following a stroke. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

Any relatives or next of kin are urged to contact the coroners office on:- 0151 233 4706.

PETROL PRICES FUEL ARRIVA’S TRAVEL TEST

ARRIVA North West has reacted to soaring petrol prices by launching an online Fuel Calculator to help people in Liverpool work out if they could save money on their journeys.

Drivers paying through the nozzle for fuel are being urged to log on to compare the cost of using the bus instead of their car.

Arriva’s Fuel Calculator is easy to use and people will simply have to enter a few basic details about their daily journey to work out how much they could save by buying a 4-Weekly Saver ticket. The calculator also shows how much CO2 a driver would save by leaving their car at home and catching the bus instead.

Debra Mercer, marketing manager for Arriva North West, said:- “Buses offer a way for people to considerably reduce their travel costs, even more so at the moment because fuel has become so expensive. The new Fuel Calculator on our website will be a really useful tool for drivers in Liverpool, fed up with paying large bills at the petrol pumps. We believe many of them will be amazed by how much they could save if they caught the bus. In the current economic climate, people are still watching what they are spending and buses offer great value for people travelling in and out of towns and cities across the UK. There are no car parking charges and, with the car being left at home, it’s much better for the environment.”

To use Arriva’s Fuel Calculator and to find out about timetable and ticket information please visit:- arrivabus.co.uk.

WITNESS APPEAL - LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE ASSAULT

MERSEYSIDE Police Detectives have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a serious assault in Liverpool city centre.  The victim, a 23 year old man, had been at a party in the Mount Pleasant area on 1 March 2010, and had left the party at around 7.30am following an argument. The victim was followed by a man onto Brownlow Hill where he was punched in the face several times. He was taken to hospital and received treatment for cuts and a fractured cheekbone. DC Jason Banks said:- "We want people to enjoy themselves when they come to the city centre and we strive to fully investigate assaults of this nature to bring those responsible to justice. If anyone has any information about the identity of the man I ask them to contact officers as he could provide vital information about this attack."  Anyone with information is asked to call Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 4065 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.