Advice given to Aldershot and Farnborough residents following theft from motor vehicle reports

We would like to remind our residents of some crime prevention advice following an increase in reports of theft from motor vehicles in Aldershot and Farnborough.

Officers have received reports that unknown people have entered cars and stolen cash, bank cards and valuable items.

On some occasions, the offences have taken place after people have forgotten to lock their car doors.

We are investigating these reports and following solid lines of enquiry to locate those responsible.

Theft from motor vehicles are often opportunistic and offenders, hoping that the vehicle is unlocked, will try door handles.

Please remain vigilant, ensure all doors are locked and that you do not leave valuables inside your vehicles.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to make sure you remove valuables from your vehicle and lock it.

Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen.

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 on display, including ensuring that your glove box is closed.

Where possible, consider removing Sat Nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or any cables that are on view. These all give it away that you may have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can’t see the Sat Nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight.

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/theft-from-a-vehicle/vehicle-safe-and-sound/

If you witness any suspicious behaviour, or if you have been a victim, please contact police on 101 or on our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/