Vehicle owners are being encouraged to increase their security after a spate of vehicle break-ins in Wells2. Police say there have been ten vehicles targeted in the centre of Wells and surrounding rural area in just two days. Overnight on Monday (September 19) and Tuesday (September 20) items including tools and fishing equipment stolen from parked vehicles during the break-ins.
A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset Police said vans are the top target for thieves as she offered advice to those looking to keep their vehicles and belongings safe.
MORE: Avon and Somerset chief constable Andy Marsh says we must improve as just 6% of burglaries solved3
She said police are currently investigating the thefts and break-ins.
Here are nine top tips from Avon and Somerset Police4 for anyone looking to improve their vehicle security:
- Lock doors, windows, the boot and sunroof every time you leave the car, even for short periods.
- Don’t leave bags, coats or change on the display . The cost of replacing a broken window is often far more than the value of goods stolen . If you can, take things with you . If you can’t, lock everything out of sight in the boot.
- Never leave driving documents or personal letters inside your car . They could help a thief to sell your car or provide a cover story if stopped by the police.
- Don’t leave satnavs on display when you are not in the car.
- Never set your address in your satnav for your start or return journeys, use an area near to your home you know if your keys are stolen a criminal may use your satnav setting to direct them to your home.
- Keep valuables out of sight while you’re driving and consider keeping the doors locked
- Take the ignition key out even when the car is parked in your drive or garage and always set the immobiliser .
If you don’t have an immobiliser, consider having one fitted.
- Always keep your car keys in a safe place at home, away from windows and doors and preferably in a locked cupboard or cabinet.
- Leaving your glovebox open when you’re not in the car will show there is nothing of value in it.
- Register all valuable items such as mobile phones and satnavs at www.immobilise.com5
MORE: First Asian Hornet sighting CONFIRMED in South West, Defra takes action to tackle ‘killer’ insect
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References
- ^ Comments (0) (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ a spate of vehicle break-ins in Wells (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Avon and Somerset chief constable Andy Marsh says we must improve as just 6% of burglaries solved (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
- ^ www.immobilise.com (www.immobilise.com)
- ^ First Asian Hornet sighting CONFIRMED in South West, Defra takes action to tackle ‘killer’ insect (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
