Opportunist thieves will and do take advantage of people who leave their valuables on display in their vehicles however, Hampshire Constabulary now has a new weapon in the fight against this type of vehicle crime.
Residents and visitors are being introduced to Nick, the force’s newest addition to its fleet of vehicles. Nick the crime prevention car is part of a drive to reduce vehicle crime and make motorists aware of the risks of leaving valuables in their cars.
Superintendent Steve Wallace said:
“We see time after time, people seem to have a blind spot when it comes to leaving their valuables in their cars.“People think ‘it will never happen to me’ or ‘I’ll only be a minute’ and then they wonder why their windows have been smashed and their belongings have been stolen.“We also find many cars aren’t even locked, so making it even easier for an opportunist thief to steal your possessions. It takes less than 60 seconds for a thief to smash a window and grab a handbag or phone for example”.
Mobile phones, iPads and other tablet devices, laptops, cameras and handbags are the most common items stolen from cars.
Thieves often target car parks where people park up for a significant amount of time – rural car parks and shopping centres for example. You may be tempted to leave valuables in your car – but the simple message is don’t!
We’ll be parking Nick in car parks across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to remind people about what they might have left in their car and to try and put the brakes on this type of crime.
Take Nick’s advice and check before you lock up –
- Is your satnav on show?
- Have you left your laptop on the back seat?
- Is your phone left in its holder?
If you see anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles or trying door handles for example, please contact us on 101 or on 999 if a crime is in progress.
