Police officers in Dorset are urging residents and visitors to be extra vigilant during the May holiday to prevent car thieves breaking into vehicles and stealing valuable items.
As visitor numbers increase during the bank holiday period, officers are urging motorists to take some simple measures to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
People coming into the area are being reminded to close all windows and sunroofs, lock their cars, remove phones and sat navs and hide any important documents when leaving their vehicles unattended.
Detective Inspector Andy Brix, of the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team, said: “I would urge people, when they leave their vehicles unattended on their driveway, in the street or in car parks, to ensure they do not leave valuables on display and that they lock their vehicles properly.
“Even a couple of pound coins or a pair of sunglasses left on show is enough for an opportunist thief to try the car door and if locked, force entry in order to steal.
“Sunglasses or a few coins may not seem much to the owner but the invasion of privacy, inconvenience and cost of repairing smashed glass, plus subsequent increased insurance costs have a big impact on victims.
“Please do not make it easy for criminals.”
Dorset Police is issuing the following advice for preventing theft from motor vehicles:
- Before you get out of your vehicle, check nothing’s left out on seats, the dash, centre console, door pockets or in footwells. If you can’t remove everything, lock it in the boot or in a vehicle safe.
- Close all windows and sunroofs and put phone charging leads away.
- If your car has remote locking, always physically check the doors have locked before you leave it. Criminals nearby can use a jamming device to block the remote signal, leaving the car unlocked so they can get in once you have left.
- Don’t leave important documents such as bank statements, credit card bills, statements or other personal information in your vehicle. Thieves can use this information to steal your identity.
- Don’t leave your driving licence or vehicle registration documents in your vehicle as these documents could help a thief sell or dispose of it.
- If parking your car in a public place, make sure it is in a well-lit street or in a carpark with good lighting and CCTV.
