Drivers 'must lock cars to thwart thieves'
9th September 2010
Drivers in the Bedfordshire area have been warned to check their car doors are secure or they could return to find their belongings stolen with little prospect of claiming on their car insurance.
Bedfordshire Police issued the warning after a number of thefts from cars in the Castle Road area of Bedford. Drivers had reported returning to their cars to find them insecure with valuables missing, but they may have trouble explaining to their car insurance company how thieves got in so easily if the car was locked.
Crime reduction officer PC Peter Spicer said: "Motorists should lock their car when they are close to it, look out for the hazard lights activating and listen for the distinctive sound of the locks applying. Take the time to try the door handle just to make sure and, of course, never leave anything tempting on view in the car."
Motorists have been advised to ensure their windows and sunroofs are shut completely and to physically confirm that doors have been locked. They have also been told to activate any security devices or alarms and to park in well lit areas when they leave their car during hours of darkness. Motorists were also warned never to leave bank cards, mobile phones or sat navs in cars, or to assume they will be safe in the boot as thieves may be watching.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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