Reminder to remove all valuable items from vehicles

Drivers in East Herts are being urged to remove all valuable items from cars and vans when leaving them unattended, following a recent spike in thefts from vehicles across the district.

Over the past two weeks, police have received 25 reports of theft from motor vehicles and a further nine reports of vehicles being interfered with (e.g car door handles being tried).

During many of the offences, vehicles had been left unlocked or items of value had been left on display, including cash and laptops.

In the Ware, Stanstead Abbotts and Buntingford areas in particular, vans have been targeted and tools have been stolen from within.

Detective Inspector Manjit Khela, from the East Herts Local Crime Unit, said: “We understand that theft of any property is upsetting for victims and is particularly frustrating when tools are stolen, as this has a huge effect on peoples’ livelihoods.

“We’re determined to do all we can to stop it from happening and patrols have been increased in hotspot areas.”

She continued: “Sadly, it takes just seconds for an opportunist thief to strike and even a few loose coins left on display can be enough to entice them.

“With this in mind, we’d urge drivers to please review the security of their vehicles and ensure they aren’t giving thieves the easy target they are looking for.

“Take a few seconds to ensure your vehicles are fully locked and secured when leaving them unattended and remove all items from display, including loose coins, sunglasses, clothing and bags. Ideally, items should also be removed from the boot.

“Wherever possible, try not to keep tools in vans, especially overnight. I fully appreciate it’s not always easy or convenient to remove them, but it’s the best way to keep them more secure. If removing them is really not an option, you could also consider installing a good quality tool safe and additional locks, to add an extra level of protection.”

If you witness any suspicious activity taking place around vehicles, please call 999 straightaway.

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