Lock up your cars (From Gazette Series)

Lock up your cars

MOTORISTS who leave valuables on display in their vehicle, or who fail to secure their car properly when they park, could soon be receiving a letter from the police.

Drivers who ignore, or forget to take, basic security measures are to be the target of a new operation being launched in the Cotswolds and Stroud Division.

Police community support officers (PCSOs) have been given the job of patrolling car parks, car crime hotspots and campsites across the division.

If examples of motorists failing to comply with basic safety measures are found the PCSOs will note the details of the vehicle and a letter, containing crime prevention advice, will be sent to the owner's address.

PC Cindy Pickersgill, crime reduction officer for Stroud, said the new operation was designed to make motorists aware of the perils of not taking adequate security precautions.

"We're doing what we can to reduce vehicle crime by carrying out regular patrols of car parks and vehicle crime hotspots, but drivers need to help us by taking some basic, common sense, security measures whenever they park up," she said.

"These include locking your vehicle every time you park, regardless of how long you will be away from it, and removing all valuables from inside the vehicle.

"Most vehicle crime is committed by opportunists who break into cars and vans when they find a door or window left open, or when they have spotted something worth stealing through the window.

"By taking common sense precautions, such as locking your vehicle whenever you leave it, setting alarms and taking valuables with you, you can dramatically reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime."

The new initiative, which has been launched as part of Operation Springboard, will run throughout August.