Crime prevention advice following thefts from vehicles in rural areas of Winchester

We’re issuing some crime prevention advice following a number of thefts from vehicles in rural areas surrounding Winchester.

Since Friday, 15 April, we have received ten reports of thefts from vehicles that have been parked in secluded areas or beauty spots during the daytime.

Vehicles have been targeted on roads including:

• Chillandham Lane, Itchen Abbas
• Beacon Hill Lane, Corhampton
• Lomer Lane, Warnford
• Cheriton Lane, Bishops Sutton
• Basingstoke Road, Abbotstone
• Grange Park, Northington
• Kingsmead, Fareham
• Mill Hill, Alresford
• Stratton Lane, East Stratton

The reports include vehicles which have had their windows smashed or left insecure. Items including bags, rugs, wallets and dash cams have been stolen.

In one case, a van parked on Kingsmead on Tuesday, 19 April was broken into sometime between 5.55pm and 7.40pm. A Whyte S-120 C Works 2020 mountain bike and a backpack containing clothes, wallet and keys were stolen.

On Monday, 18 April, a car parked on Grange Park was broken into between 2.05pm and 2.10pm. A handbag was stolen after it had been  left on a seat inside the car underneath items of clothing.

We want to take this opportunity to remind you of some crime prevention advice.

Most offences of theft from vehicle are opportunist. If valuable possessions such as handbags, laptops, mobile phones are left on show inside a vehicle, it is much more likely to be targeted by thieves.

Even items of little value, such as shopping bags and clothing, may tempt a potential thief to break into the vehicle to see whether they contain anything worth stealing.

As we head into the summer months, we know more people will be leaving their vehicles at local beauty spots to go and enjoy the scenery, which is why we want to remind you to remove valuables from your vehicle and lock it.

Make sure to physically check that doors and window are locked, especially if you have used the remote to lock the vehicle, then look inside again to make sure you’ve not left anything behind.

See below for more tips on how to keep your vehicle safe:

Beauty Spot Vehicle Advice

• Before you leave home, think about what you need and leave any unnecessary items of value at home.
• Try to park in sign-posted parking areas.
• Be cautious about parking your car in isolation. Thieves can be put off when other people are around.
• Do not leave anything in your vehicle. A jacket or coat left behind may be of very little value to you, but a thief may think it has been used to hide a laptop or handbag and will break into your vehicle to find out.
• Take items with you rather than locking them in the boot, you can’t be sure who has seen you do this.
• Make sure you do not leave documents which have your personal details on in your vehicle.
• Remember to lock all windows and sunroofs and lock all doors. Try the handle to check it's locked and look inside again to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
• Make use of any security products you might have such as steering locks.
• Whilst enjoying the sights make sure you keep your bag and possessions with you.

Thefts from vehicles (general)

• Park your vehicle in an attended car park.
• When parking at home, use your garage. If you don't have a garage, park in a well-lit area if possible.
• Don't leave anything on display in your vehicle.
• Do not hide any valuable items. Take it with you or leave it at home.
• Leave the glove box open to show there's nothing inside
• For information on alarms speak to your manufacturer and visit the Sold Secure website.

Further information and advice on how to keep your vehicle secure can be found on our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/vehicle-safe-and-sound/