Warning as thieves target cars and vans

Sep 24 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

DRIVERS in the Oxton and Birkenhead Park areas of Wirral have been warned to beware of thieves targeting their cars.

Police say they have increased the numbers of patrols following “a steady increase in the number of older cars and vans broken into or damaged by opportunist thieves”.

Officers say the thieves are on the look-out for any valuables left on display, ranging from high-value Sat Nav systems and tools through to spare change left in the ashtray.

Thieves are either bending doors back or smashing windows to get access to the vehicle.

Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Harrison said: “We cannot stress enough the need to not only lock and secure your vehicle, but also remove any items of value, and don’t leave the likes of spare change on show.

“Glove boxes and boots are also not hiding places, as thieves know to look there too.

“Together, let’s make the car thieves’ lives difficult and stop people from being victims of this sort of crime.”

Anyone with information about car crime is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For further information on security, contact the Wirral crime prevention officers on 606 5480/5484.