Police in East Hampshire are reminding motorists to keep valuables out of view and avoid becoming a victim of theft. 
Vehicles are often targeted by thieves who smash open car windows or force open car doors. Common items such as Sat Navs, car stereos and MP3 players can then be stolen.
Officers have launched a campaign in order to reduce the number of cars targeted by thieves.
Police will be displaying a series of posters and handing out leaflets across East Hampshire to remind people of the risk of leaving valuables in their cars.
Inspector Laurie Rickwood, of Whitehill police station, said: “The simple advice to motorists is do not leave anything in your vehicle. If it’s not there it can’t be stolen.
“Petrol stations throughout the district have agreed to display the posters and warning signs are also being put up in beauty spots and other locations that have been recently targeted.
“We would also advise people to property mark their belongings, including their Sat Nav, stereo and CDs. If they are then stolen they can be easily returned if they are recovered.”
Hampshire Constabulary offers the following Safer Vehicles advice:
- Don’t leave anything in your car – if it’s not there, then it can’t be stolen.
- Choose a stereo that can be removed and make sure you take it with you! You should also mark it with your registration number or postcode, in case it is stolen.
- Thieves aren’t picky, so don’t leave even low-value items. Often thieves will smash and grab first and look later to see if what they’ve stolen is valuable.
- Don’t hide it – if you hide items under the seat or in the glove box, chances are someone will have watched you. If you cannot avoid leaving something in your car, put it in your boot before you begin your journey.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car even for a minute – it only takes a thief a few seconds to smash a window and get what they want, so don’t take the chance.
- Your car isn’t safe on your driveway – nearly half of all incidents where items are stolen from cars happen when they are parked overnight, close to the owner’s home.
- Don’t leave your house keys or anything with your address on it in your vehicle - someone could steal your keys and then let themselves into your home.
