A Seasonal Warning!

Thieves are collecting their Christmas Presents

CAR CROOKS are homing in on satellite navigation systems as the “must have” item to steal this Christmas, police have warned. 

During the six months to October, more than 50 high tech sat-nav systems, worth around £8,000, have been stolen from vehicles across East Staffordshire.  

And it’s not just sat navs. . . laptop computers, handbags, clothes and even children’s toys have been taken by opportunist thieves who have smashed windows after spotting items on seats, floors and parcel shelves.  

Now, police are warning drivers to remember to remove sat nav equipment and ALL property whenever they park up – even for a few minutes.  

Posters and advice leaflets are being posted at car parks and left on vehicles in a bid to remind drivers to take extra care in the run up to the festive season. 

Most of the thefts recorded by Trent Valley police have happened from cars and vans parked in the street outside homes and businesses. 

“People would never leave £300 in cash on display in the car windscreens; yet some drivers seem quite prepared to leave a piece of equipment worth a similar amount on show for any passing opportunist thief to steal,” said Inspector Jav Oomer, Commander of Burton neighbourhood policing unit. 

“Our advice is to never leave anything on display in your car and to always take valuable items such as lap-top computers, sat-nav systems and mobile telephones with you when you park up.” 

He warned that thieves were also on the look out for the tell-tale outline of a rubber sucker, left on windscreens by the sat-nav cradle. Car crooks know it could mean a sat-nav system is stored in the glove box. 

“It is important drivers realise how devious thieves can be and should always clean off any sign of a rubber sucker from the windscreen before leaving their vehicle,” he said. 

Although the number of vehicles being broken into in Burton is falling, since the beginning of the year, more than 200 cars have been attacked with thieves stealing all kinds of property left on show. In Uttoxeter, car crooks broke into nearly 100 vehicles, again targeting vehicles with property on display. 

As well as being aware and making sure you never leave anything on show in your vehicle, anyone with information about the car crime is urged to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. A call to Crimestoppers is free from landlines and callers do not have to give their name or any information which may identify them. 

However, callers could be in line for a reward for helping police if their information leads to a conviction.

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