Warning to Motorists after Thefts from Vehicles

Police are urging motorists to review their security in the wake of vehicle crime reports in Dacorum recently.

Since the beginning of January, there have been seven reports of thefts from vehicles in the areas of Tring, Berkhamsted, Ashridge and Little Gaddesden.

Sergeant Sarah Anderson, from the Berkhamsted and Tring Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: ‘Since the beginning of the year, we have seen a small rise in reports of vehicle crime – particularly in rural areas – with items stolen including number plates, bank cards, handbags and mobile phones.

‘In many cases thieves have targeted vehicles left unattended while their owners have been exercising in the local countryside.

‘We’d like to reassure the community that we are investigating these incidents, increasing our high visibility patrols in the affected areas and working with our Crime Reduction and Community Safety team to install preventative signage in hotspot locations.

‘In the meantime, we want to make the public aware of these incidents so they can review their own security measures and help stop their vehicles being targeted by opportunist thieves.

‘It seems obvious, but ensuring your car is fully locked is an essential part of your vehicle’s safety. It can be easy to get distracted when exiting your vehicle, but it is so important to make sure the last thing you do before leaving your car unattended is lock it.

‘Lastly, please make sure that all valuables are removed from inside the vehicle and that nothing is left on display. Even items such as sunglasses, coats and loose change can be enough to entice a criminal to break in.

‘If you witness any suspicious activity around vehicles, or believe a crime may be in progress, always dial 999 straight away.’

You can report information online, use online web chat, or call the non-emergency number 101.

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