Protect your vehicle from crime
Police crime figures show that since 2015, there has been a 31% increase in theft from a vehicle and a 16% increase in theft of a vehicle in Arun.
The two key themes are overnight thefts mainly from vehicles which have been left insecure or daytime thefts from vehicles at isolated rural car parks.
The Safer Arun Partnership, Sussex Police and Neighbourhood Watch are working together to raise awareness of some of the key things that can be done to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this type of crime.
Vehicle crime can include the theft of vehicles, theft of contents from vehicles or interfering with a vehicle with the intent of trying to break into it.
Check list:
- Always lock your car when leaving it unattended - for however short a period of time
- Close your windows and sunroof
- Remove valuables from the car - don't hide things in the glove box or boot
- Store car ownership information at home, not in your car
- Never leave anything on display when you leave your vehicle. Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief
- Wipe off any tell-tale sat nav marks left behind on your windscreen
- Double check the central locking has worked and your car is secure before leaving it
- Where possible, park your vehicle in a busy, well-lit area
- When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage, try to park on your drive or in a well-lit, open place
- Never leave your keys in the vehicle, even if you are just leaving it for a few seconds
- Mark all your equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number
- Using secure (theft resistant) number plates can make your plates less attractive to thieves.
Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Despite advances to technology, car crime is still a problem. However there are numerous things motorists can do to protect themselves so we would urge all vehicle owners in Arun to take a couple of minutes to read the advice on offer in order to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of this type of crime.”
Where you park can make a big difference to the safety of your car and your belongings. Look out for car parks approved by the police on the Parkmark website.
You can find them by looking for their distinctive 'Park Mark' signs.
For further advice, visit:
https://www.police.uk/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/
The national Ask The Police website: https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/@1.htm
If you see anything suspicious please report it immediately on 999. If you have any information on those involved in crime call the nonemergency number 101.