Keeping your car clean could prevent it from being targeted by thieves (From Winsford Guardian)

Keeping your car clean could prevent it from being targeted by thieves

3:20pm Saturday 6th September 2008

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POLICE in Winsford are urging residents to clean their cars out to avoid falling victim to crime.

Insp Dave Snasdell has seen a number of recent thefts from vehicles in Winsford, with particular problems around Station Road and Dee Way in Wharton.

He is looking for car owners to take greater care over what is left in their vehicles in a bid to stop the spate.

He said: “Thieves will usually look for an easy target and will certainly be drawn to valuable and electrical items which have been left in cars.

“When they see something that takes their fancy they will think nothing of smashing the window or forcing the door to get their hands on radios, phones, laptops or sat nav systems.

“We are working hard in Winsford to solve these crimes and to bring offenders to justice, but we need the public to help us by taking steps to prevent further thefts.”

He added: “Never leave anything of value unattended in your car – even if you are only away from the vehicle for a few minutes.

“Simply removing items from open view is not enough to deter thieves. Often a sat nav system will leave a tell-tale sign – such as suction marks on the windscreen – while some equipment which has Bluetooth capabilities will advertise its presence to anyone with another Bluetooth enabled device.

“I would also ask that people remain vigilant, particularly in those areas most affected, and report any suspicious activity to the police.”

Anyone with information about suspicious activity, or about the crimes which have already taken place, should call Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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