Police issue warning on vehicle thefts

Date published: 28/05/2008

Motorists in Rochdale are being reminded about vehicle security after a spate of crimes in Wardleworth and Deeplish.

Most offences have been happening in the evening between 6pm and 1am, and police say certain makes and models of car are particularly vulnerable.

Between 1 January and 19 May 2008 there were 119 offences of theft from and theft of Nissan vehicles. Of these, 78 were Micras and 14 were Sunnys, with criminals mainly targeting registration plates, Sat Navs and CD players.

To help protect motorists, police community support officers will leave warning cards on vehicles giving crime prevention advice. The cards were specially designed for GMP’s ‘Wicked’ vehicle crime campaign.

Crime reduction advisor for Rochdale Division, Jackie Dickinson, said: “I would advise motorists to remove all valuables from their cars including Sat Navs and their mounting cradles, and to wipe away any sucker marks.

“Vehicles should be secured with an immobiliser, alarm or tracking device and should always be kept locked, even if they’re only left unattended for a few seconds.

“To help reduce number plate theft, motorists should attend one of our regular car-crime clinics where special one-way screws can be fitted free of charge to secure registration plates. All clinics are publicised in advance.”

Download

• Police vehicle theft warning card (2008528_15533.pdf)