A gang targeting motorists and their vehicles in Ryde over the past 2 days has prompted a Police investigation after owners woke up to find their car doors open and glove boxes emptied – or their car missing altogether.
Vehicles have been targeted on Wellington Road in Binstead as well as the West Hill Road, Monkton Street and Quarry Road area in Ryde.
The owner of a car on Wellington Road has reported that the driver’s door was left open and the contents of the glove box and other compartments were left on the passenger seat, with it looking like the culprit had been for looking for valuables. Luckily nothing was taken and the vehicle wasn’t damaged.
Another victim of a similar incident on West Hill Road the night before said that their vehicle was targeted whilst parked on their drive. After searching the vehicle for valuables, the unknown criminal got away with a Wightlink multi-pass, whilst a man who lives on Well Street in Ryde saw his wallet stolen from his car overnight also.
Overnight on Sunday into Monday, a black Ford Kuga was stolen from Monkton Street in the town, only to turn up some hours later dumped in nearby Oakfield. The driver had to call recovery after the keys couldn’t be located.
They’ve told Island Echo:
“People are taking matters into their own hands as the police are doing nothing!”
But it also seems as if the criminals are targeting vehicles in broad daylight after a blue 2004 Volkswagen Passat was stolen from Marlborough Road in Ryde at around 09:00 this morning (Tuesday).
It’s understood that although some vehicles appear to have been left unlocked, the gang of 4 males are seemingly using a device to gain entry to the motors.
Inspector Andy McDonald of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police has said:
“We are receiving some reports about a number of vehicles that have been broken into overnight in the Ryde area.
“Please can I request that if you discover that you have been a victim that the matter is reported to the police via 101 or the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website.
“I can confirm that this emerging series will be investigated by the Ryde Neighbourhood team.
“Having just looked at a couple of reports that have been received it appears some vehicles have been left in an insecure state overnight. Please can I urge all vehicle owners across the island to lock their vehicles when not in use”.
Wouldn’t look into the motorcycle that and arson when they stole and set fire to my mothers motorcycle..
When it comes to policing on the island, it’s free for all…They couldn’t organise a pi*up in a brewery…
Most of them are grossly over weight and the little women are even worse, what the hell is going on..
It’s unusual to find someone who knows the weight of Isle of Wight policeman.
Nice cope, fatboy
The police do have to do an annual fitness test and undergo safety training. Love to see some of the non police keyboard warriors do these tests
So Inspector Andy McDonald – if you see 4 males suspiciously hanging around a car with a crowbar, is it 101 or 999?
Maybe he should mention about the benefits of a faraday pouch….and to call 999 if you see anyone hanging around cars late at night… Mind you, if it takes an hour plus for plod to attend a car crash, you might as well ring 101 and hang on ….
Have to report it on the web now. I phone about some youths on illegal motorbikes riding about in pig peg lane. Was told to file a report online. Had to contact the MP in the end to get them to deal with it.
// Obviously they are still around… couple went passed mine yesterday when it was dry for a short period…
Took them how many hours? to attend the murder in Ryde which a member of the public called and told them about!! You stand no chance with car break ons they don’t want yo know of it means working!.
The main man rang the police twice.and still had time for his wife to pack her flat up an leave.. outrage.
Who is the Ryde Neighbourhood team ? What actions shall they take to investigate ? Genuine question.
Pub watch meetings will tell you who to get hold of.thy have all the fingers in pies
There asking you to vigilant and don’t leave valuables in your car and all you lot can do is moan . police don’t bother telling these people let them lose there stuff
If the police don’t turn up to a hit and run crash got no chance of them turning up to 4 youths unlocking cars
Has Inspector McDonald tried calling 101? I’ve known pandemics come and go in the time it takes to get anyone to answer. Mind you, I even had to wait on hold before being put through to the Police on 999 recently! Pitiful situation. And beware, if they deem the report not to be a “crime in progress” they won’t even bother attending. Even if it is someone still on the scene after using petrol to set light to a footbridge.
In this day and age, who leaves their wallet in their car? Who leaves their car unlocked?
Beggars belief really.
If you want police fast..burn an LGBTIOUVHSILUVRNWILEUJ++–&^%$£”! flag…..
Cannot believe so many cars are left unlocked. Never leave any valuables in car and if you have to make sure they are out of site. As for glove box, can just about get my hand in mine with the size of the instruction books supplied by supplier.
They are using an electronic device to open them
“a black Ford Kuga was stolen from Monkton Street in the town, only to turn up some hours later dumped in nearby Oakfield. The driver had to call recovery after the keys couldn’t be located.”
Here’s an idea….. you left them in the car didn’t you? Maybe that’s why your car got stolen and nobody else’s did? Of coarse I’m sure you well know that if you leave the keys in it then your insurance for theft would be invalidated wouldn’t it? So it would be much better if you “lost them” before the theft wouldn’t it?
This is a very real issue. I had my outlander PHEV stolen recently in London in the middle of the day.
apparently the thieves can dupe your car fob if it is the kind that send a signal without you pressing a button. Eg keyless entry.
although good practice is to keep
your fob in a box or away from the car a better plan is to have a completely separate immobiliser on the car. This way you have a second level of security because clearly the manufacturer product is sub standard.
in addition to this it is possible for the same device the thieves are using to dupe your key right in front of you without you knowing. For example in a car park and steal your car while you are away.
Please be aware. I was not!