PRESS RELEASE FROM SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE - ROTHERHAM DISTRICT
“Lock it, or lose it” – Officers warn residents in Rotherham who leave their cars unlocked at night
The message is simple. If you leave your car or van unlocked or have valuable items on show inside the vehicle, such as sat-navs, mobile phones and mp3 players, you have a much higher risk of becoming a victim of car crime.
However, despite the repeated reminders and the obvious fact that leaving a car unlocked makes it an easy target for thieves, over a third of reported car crime this month in the borough relates to insecure vehicles.
The majority of theft from and theft of motor vehicles takes place during the night when a car or van has been left parked out on the street. It appears that thieves are now targeting vehicles in Wath, Bramley, Aston and Swallownest and residents who leave their cars unlocked in these key areas are even more likely to become a victim of car crime.
While officers from Wentworth North Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) were out patrolling in the Wath area two nights ago, they checked every car parked out on the streets. Unbelievably 14 vehicles had been left unlocked, with one containing an expensive set of golf clubs and a laptop in the boot.
The owners of these unlocked cars received an early morning visit from the officers, who explained the reason why their evening – and possibly their sleep – was being disturbed. Crime reduction advice was given and all owners were asked to secure their vehicles.
The residents, although surprised to have an officer knocking at their door in the early hours of the morning, were supportive of the police action and rather grateful that it was an officer rather than a thief checking their vehicles.
Temporary Chief Supt Tweed said: “Officers will be out in these key areas during the evenings and early mornings delivering crime reduction leaflets and trying car doors, checking to see who has left their vehicles unlocked or valuable items on show.
“Anyone who has left their car or van unlocked may find an officer knocking at their door, whatever the time of day or night, reminding them of the need to keep their vehicle secure.
“With support from the communities and information provided to Crimestoppers, officers are continuing to tackle thefts from and of motor vehicles. However, it is not unreasonable to ask Rotherham residents to ensure that they always lock their cars and vans when leaving them unattended and take out any valuable items which would be left on view to passers-by.”