Hampshire Constabulary

Portsmouth police urge people to remove valuables from their cars

Press Releases

Published: 01/03/2011

 Safer Neighbourhoods officers from Fratton in Portsmouth are advising car owners to think twice about leaving items in their cars.

This warning comes following a recent rise in reported thefts from motor vehicles in the area. Cars with closed glove boxes or with items on display are being targeted, and thieves are even approaching cars on people’s driveways to check what’s inside them.

PC Lee Gott from Baffins Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “We’ve noticed that car thieves are targeting cars that look like they may contain items of value. Some people tend to leave items inside their car, and then leave the car unattended. Even if belongings aren’t on show, if a glove box is shut, a thief may think there’s something worth taking in there.

“Anything can tempt a thief – whether it is a coat on the back seat, sucker marks on a windscreen from a Sat-Nav, a sunglasses case, or even loose change. It’s so important that you take these things out with you, and get rid of any indications that items are in the car (like sucker marks).”

The recent spike in car thefts became evident in January, when 68 reports were recorded throughout the month, across the area of Fratton. Although this has fallen dramatically to 27 reports for all of Fratton in February, police are still urging people to take care, and are working to reduce this number further.

Officers are currently running a number of operations to help tackle the issue of car breaks in the area, including high-visibility regular patrols and working with the city’s Targeted Patrol teams. Owners of vulnerable cars are being contacted about the issue, and crime prevention advice is being distributed throughout the area.

PC Gott continued: “The best advice I can offer is to make sure nothing is left in the car at all, and the glove box is left open to clearly show that nothing is in it. If you are leaving your car, even if for just a minute, you must always lock it. It’s so important that people do these things to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Even a coat on the back seat or a shopping bag could be enough to tempt a thief.

Fratton Sector Inspector Fiona Quade added: “If you are ever offered a cheap lap top or Sat-Nav, it is likely to have been stolen from somewhere such as a car, so I would encourage you to let us know about people who you know are trying to sell property in this way.

“If we can identify and tackle people who sell stolen goods this will cut off the necessary outlets for thieves.

”Remember, always report any crime to us. Even if you only suspect something may be happening or someone is acting strangely, the information you supply may be of vital importance.”

If you would like more information or to speak with an officer in your area, please call 101 and ask for your local Safer Neighbourhoods team. Alternatively you can log on to www.hampshire.police.uk and click on ‘Your local policing team.’

- ends -

Kat Harding  447 / 28022011