Police are stepping up patrols and encouraging motorists to be vigilant after a rise in vehicle crime in Sneinton and St Ann’s.
Recent offences have included car thefts, stolen number plates, and catalytic converter thefts. On other occasions, items such as a handbag and laptop stolen from inside vehicles.
In response to the reports, high visibility patrols have been stepped up by the City South response and neighbourhood policing teams.
Leaflets with crime prevention advice are also to be distributed over the coming weeks in hotspot areas.
Vehicle owners are asked to consider the following security advice:
- Do not leave anything on display in your car, thieves can sometimes mistake them for valuables and the damage they can do to the car to get in can be costly.
- Take all your belongings with you when you leave the car. If you cannot, then lock them in the boot out of sight.
- Sat Navs – remove unit and holder from windscreen, wipe the residue circle from the screen (this could indicate to a thief you have hidden the unit in the car).
- Keep your keys safe and fit security devices – electronic immobiliser, mechanical immobiliser, locking wheel nuts, vehicle alarm.
- Etching – have your vehicles registration number etched onto all glass surfaces on the vehicle.
- Security Marking – consider marking all your valuables, especially those that you frequently take in your car. Mark them with your postcode or other unique identification
- Doors and Windows – lock all doors; close all windows and the sunroof every time you leave your car, even if it is just for a few minutes.
- Parking – use your garage and always lock it as well as your car. If you do not have a garage, try to park in a well-lit place or somewhere that is overlooked.
- When you park your car away from home, try to avoid places that are unattended, have easy access and are concealed from public view.
PC Aleksander Chodowski, of the St Ann’s response team, said: “We will not tolerate this type of offending and we thoroughly investigate reports of vehicle crime.
“While our enquiries into recent thefts remain ongoing we’re also urging residents to be vigilant and make it as difficult as possible for criminals to target their vehicles. They should ensure they are locked and any valuables are removed or kept out of sight.
“Where possible ensure that your vehicle is parked on your driveway or in your garage if you have one. Alternatively, ensure your vehicle is parked in a well-lit area.
“Having an alarm and immobiliser fitted to your vehicle is also an effective way of deterring criminals.
“We’re also urging local residents to report any suspicious people or vehicles to us immediately by calling 101. If an incident is in progress call 999.”
Anyone who believes they may have witnessed a vehicle crime in any of the areas mentioned above, or who has any information relating to them, is asked to contact the City South Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
