Alarm over Increasing Incidence of Car Theft - Southport Residents Urged To Take Precautions

INCREASE IN CAR KEY BURGLARIES - SOUTHPORT/FORMBY
Since the end of May there has been an increase in high value cars being targeted in overnight 'car key' burglaries. In this type of burglary the method of entry is generally the same (with some exceptions), with entry gained by snapping locks of rear UPVC doors or patio doors.

 Snap proof barrels in locks and patio locks that secure the doors can reduce the risk of this and are recommended for general home security as well.
High value and prestige cars have always been targets for thieves/burglars. Criminals target cars themselves and also any items of value left inside them, like handbags, wallets, tools and Sat Navs. Vehicle registration plates are also sometimes stolen.
So what can you do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car crime? Follow these guidelines:

• Lock your car EVERY time you leave it – Cars with doors that have been left unlocked are being identified and targeted in the area. Get in the habit of clicking the lock on the fob TWICE to ‘deadlock’ the doors.
• Keep your keys out of sight once you have locked your vehicle. Keep keyless ignition fobs in a tin, away from doors and windows. Be aware that visitors to your home may notice where keys are left, and sneak thefts are common at both the front and rear of houses.
• If you have a car alarm, use it.
* If you have CCTV, ensure that it is fully charged and operating correctly. Keep the lenses clear of cobwebs, condensation etc.
• For high value/prestige cars, take greater precautions such as trackers and immobilisers. Smaller GPS tags can also be hidden to help locate vehicles
• For ALL vehicles, ‘low tech’ immobilisers like wheel clamps, gear stick or steering locks are an affordable method to deter thefts.
• Use a property marking system such as Smartwater, Datatag or similar to help deter thefts and identify stolen vehicles and parts.
• If you have a garage use it – break-ins of cars that have been locked away in the garage are almost unheard of.
• Add a garage/shed alarm.
• When out, park your car in a well-lit area.
• Especially do not leave ANYTHING OF VALUE in your car; Wallets phones, laptops/Ipads, satellite navigation systems etc. and always wipe the tell-tale marks off your windscreen that tell ‘would be criminals’ that a sat nav ‘may’ be kept inside the vehicle.
• Don’t even leave a coat or plastic bag on a seat.
• Thieves hate two things; light and noise. So consider adding any measures that will light them up and draw attention to them.
• If you see suspicious activity around unattended vehicles dial 999 immediately.
• Remember, whatever the age or condition of your car, or motorcycle, it may still be a target for thieves.
Don’t give thieves the opportunity to make you a victim of vehicle crime. If you have any information about who is committing vehicle crime in your area or where stolen goods are being stored you can call the Police directly on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111