Hampshire Police have received more reports from members of the public who have become victims of theft after having their belongings and valuables stolen from their vehicles.
These reports follow a similar pattern where vehicles are parked up in lay-bys and beauty spot car parks by families/dog-walkers and left either unlocked or with valuables on display.
Whilst Hampshire Constabulary encourages visiting the countryside and various beauty spots around Hampshire, they would like to remind walkers of these bits of advice when they leave their cars;
- Try to park in sign-posted parking areas.
- Be cautious about parking your car in isolation. Thieves can be put off when other people are around.
- Do not leave anything in your vehicle. A jacket or coat left behind may be of very little value to you, but a thief may think it has been used to hide a laptop or handbag and will break into your vehicle to find out.
- Take items with you rather than locking them in the boot, you can’t be sure who has seen you.
- Before you leave home, think about what you need and leave any unnecessary items of value at home.
- Make sure you do not leave documents which have your personal details on in your vehicle.
- Do not leave your sat-nav in your vehicle and don’t forget to remove the cradle and wipe the sucker marks from your windscreen.
- Remember to shut all windows and sunroofs and lock all doors. Activate the alarm and immobiliser. Make use of any security products you might have such as steering locks.
- Whilst enjoying the sights make sure you keep your bag and possessions with you.
Hampshire Police will continue to use their rural policing teams to patrol around beauty spot car parks and any known areas of thefts as often as possible, but they say they need your help to eliminate crime completely.
Please follow the advice above when out and about, and forward it on to friends and family so that they may stay safe from crime as well.
