Lock your vehicles and remove valuables – St Albans

Tools, mobile phones and three vehicles have been stolen across the St Albans district this week.

St Albans Detective Inspector Ady Lysak said: “We also continue to have reports of thefts from insecure motor vehicles – please always securely lock your vehicle and remove all valuables, including mobiles, laptops, handbags and cash. Some of these thefts could have been prevented as more than 95 per cent of opportunist thieves will move on if they find a door locked with nothing on display.”

He said: “We have also had a range of thefts of, and from, motor vehicles including tools stolen from vans and keyless car thefts.  Whilst fully investigating these, we have increased proactive police patrols.  

“We are keen to hear from anyone with dash cam or doorbell cam footage who may have captured anyone or any vehicles acting suspiciously around vehicles.  Remember to disable keyless cars by placing keys in a metal tin or faraday bag. If you can, remove your tools from your van overnight or park in a well-lit area, preferably near CCTV or in a garage.”

Offender(s) cut a hole into the local of a Ford Transit van parked in Walton Street and stole thousands of pounds of work tools at 8.50pm on Monday (6 February).

An Alpha Giulietta was stolen from a driveway in Sunnydell at 4am on Tuesday (7 February) during a keyless theft. It was later recovered in Slough.

A mobile phone was stolen from a vehicle parked in Therfield Road between 11pm on 23 January and 12 noon on 24 January.

He added: “We have also seen thefts of catalytic converters for their precious metal.  To help prevent this, try not to park half on the pavement as it makes it easier for thieves to get underneath it and park near CCTV or doorbell cams.”   

For more information about security for catalytic converters and Crime prevention advice | Hertfordshire Constabulary (herts.police.uk)

If you see any suspicious activity or have any doorbell or CCTV footage please contact us or call 101.