Local police warn vehicle-owners to be more vigilant, keep property secure

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Police are urging drivers to secure their vehicles and property, following thefts of items such as cash, satellite navigation systems, and MP3 players from cars in the Forest Heath area (housing areas in the local community around RAFs Mildenhall, Lakenheath and Feltwell).

Since April 1, more than 100 vehicles in the district were broken into. In many cases, property was left on display, and some vehicles were left unlocked. Twenty-one SatNavs and 14 MP3 players are among the items taken.

"Don't leave items in view for would-be thieves to easily spot," said Police Constable Paul Glover, Ministry of Defence Police at RAF Mildenhall. "It's usually opportunists who will try and steal things to make money."

PC Glover said motorists should keep their vehicles secure and use car alarms or immobilizers.

"Get into the habit of doing it on base as well as off," he said. "If you start thinking that on base is safe - so you don't bother keeping your vehicle secure, and have your items on view - you're less likely to take preventative measures when you're off base."

The Suffolk Constabulary offers the following advice to drivers to help ensure their cars and contents are kept safe, and as a deterrent to thieves.

· Lock all windows and doors whenever parking, and physically check they are secure
· Choose well-lit areas for on-street parking
· Don't leave anything in your car - remove all temptation, even if just loose change or a plastic bag
· If you have a garage at home, use it for parking rather than storage
· If there is a SatNav in your car, remove it and the holder and wipe away the suction pad marks
· Don't leave accessories, such as leads and chargers, on display
· If your vehicle has alloy wheels, use lockable wheel nuts
· Look for parking lots with closed-circuit television and the police-approved ParkMark award
· Mark your property with a postcode, or a forensic liquid which allows items to be traced back to the owner. If marking with this solution, take note of serial numbers and register items on the National Property Database at www.immobilise.com.

"Many of these victims made it easy for a thief to strike - it only takes seconds to smash a car window, and grab whatever can be seen inside, and if the vehicle is insecure then it's even more tempting," said Detective Inspector Andy Footer, Suffolk Constabulary. "But basic things, like double-checking you've locked your car (and not just trusting the remote) and taking everything with you can mean you're far more likely to come back to a secure vehicle."

PC Glover said people should also be vigilant at home, and keep their houses secure as well.

"Lock all your doors and windows when you go out; even if you're in the house you should keep the front door locked to prevent walk-in burglaries."

For more information, call the local crime reduction officer, via the police switchboard for your area (numbers can be found in the British phone book)

Information provided by West Suffolk Press Office Suffolk Constabulary