An overnight police operation to crackdown on car thefts is yielding promising results in West Bridgford.
Officers have seen the number of keyless thefts of vehicles cut by more than half in the last month as they target resources at the crime trend.
While this is a country-wide issue, it has become the number one priority in Rushcliffe over recent weeks.
The operation has seen the Rushcliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team join forces with Response and Operational Support officers to use intelligence to target specific areas with patrols overnight.
Three people have been arrested, with one man deported and two others charged with theft of a motor vehicle and placed before the courts.
Latest figures show the number of thefts has reduced from 14 in October to six in November – but officers are urging motorists to help them continue this downward trend.
Inspector Tim Cuthbert, district commander for Rushcliffe, said:
“I can’t thank the people of Rushcliffe enough for the information they have already provided.
“It has helped us target our patrols and we’ve seen some excellent early results. However, we need people to continue speaking to us. Your information will be listened to and could be a missing piece of information which allows us to take further positive action.”
Criminals are using technical equipment which allows them to start up the cars without physically having the keys.
Officers from the neighbourhood policing team have been providing advice at beat surgeries and distributing Faraday pouches – which prevent thieves from cloning the keys’ signal.
Insp Cuthbert added:
“Despite our initial success with this operation we are not complacent. There are still offenders out there targeting these vehicles, so I am urging owners, particularly those who drive BMWs or Mercedes cars, to take extra precautions to prevent them falling victim.
“One of the best ways to prevent criminals targeting your vehicle is by using a Faraday pouch, which we know from CCTV inquiries have already prevented offences taking place.
“It is also worth making use of wheel locks or steering wheel locks. If criminals see a physical device in your car, it’s likely to put them off and they will go somewhere else as they are looking for an easy opportunity.
“Other ways to reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen include parking it in a locked garage whenever possible.
“Please take the time to review your vehicle security and I would also ask anyone with any information about car thefts in their area – or who believes they may have been targeted but not reported this to the police – to get in contact with us.
“Information from the public plays a really important role in helping us to locate those responsible as well as the vehicles which have been stolen.”
Anyone who has information or footage, such as CCTV of thefts, which may assist police investigations is asked to report it on 101. If the crime is in action, please report it to police on 999.
