"If it's on show, it'll go" crime prevention car hits the road again
AS the Easter holidays approach,
Merseyside Police's Crime Prevention Car will be hitting the road again from
Thursday, 12 March 2015, as part of advice to drivers about keeping their
valuables safe and to remind them 'if it's on show, it'll go!'.
This is the 2nd phase of the successful pre-Christmas roadshows to give
motorists help and crime prevention advice so they don't become victims of
opportunist thieves. The car is a Hyundai which is full of crime prevention tips
and visual reminders of dos and don'ts when people are parking and leaving their
cars. The road shows will be taking place at 6 different locations across
Merseyside over 5 days in March and officers are urging as many people as
possible to come along and take a look.
► On Thursday, 12 March, it will be in Tesco Metro,
Fouracre lane, St Helens.
► On Friday, 13 March, it will be located in Asda
Bromborough.
► On Monday, 23 March, at Asda Broadway, Walton.
► On Monday, 23 March, it is heading to Asda Sefton
Park, Smithdown Road, Sefton Park.
► On Wednesday, 25 March, the Car will be in Tesco,
Hawthorne Road, Litherland.
► On Friday, 27 March, it fihishes its tour at Asda,
Huyton Lane, Huyton.
Chief Inspector Dawn McNally, said:- "As the Weather starts to get warmer
people are often more inclined to put their windows down and leave their cars
insecure when they are out and about. Most thieves are opportunists and are
always ready to take advantage when people have left their car window ajar or a
door unlocked and there are valuables or items on display. These crimes can have
a huge impact on victims, particularly when expensive or cherished items are
stolen. Despite previous Police warnings, items such as:- mobile phones,
wallets, handbags, laptops, cameras, odds and even loose change are regularly
reported stolen from cars. We will also be encouraging members of the public
visiting the road shows to register their valuables with:-
Immobilise.com and mark them with ultraviolet
pens. Police Officers and staff are able to search this database for property on
a daily basis to more easily secure convictions for theft and return items to
their owners swiftly. For details of road shows in your area please visit:-
MerseysidePolice.UK/Vehicle-Crime or follow us
on twitter @merseypolice."
Motorists are being offered the following advice:-
► Most vehicle crime is preventable. It can take as
little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car. If at all
possible, leave nothing on view.
► Never leave valuable items in your car, including sunglasses, the removable
radio cover and your Sat Nav. Do you really need all those things you keep in
the glove box?
► Wipe away the Sat Nav mark on your windscreen.
► Never leave your car keys where they can be seen from the front door.
► Always close the windows and sunroof; lock the doors and activate any security
devices when leaving your car unattended.
► Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a
long time. If possible, park in a busy, well lit area.
► Never leave cash, credit cards, chequebook, mobile phones, vehicle documents
or other valuables in the car.
► Never leave your keys in the car, even for a 2nd; treat them as you would your
cash and credit cards.
► Try to avoid parking your vehicle in quiet side roads where offenders are able
to act unobserved and ensure all doors and windows are secured when leaving the
vehicle.
► Never leave goods, clothing or even empty carrier bags or containers in the
vehicle.
► Take all your belongings with you, or if you can't, lock them in the boot.
Mobile phones, Sat Navs and credit cards are often stolen from glove boxes
► Car owners should also be mindful of leaving their vehicle unattended, with
the engine running, when defrosting their windscreens in the mornings during a
cold snap. Not only is it an offence to leave their car unattended with the
engine running on a road, it also voids insurance should it be stolen.
