Car key burglary advice

We are taking this opportunity to offer crime prevention advice to car owners following a number of burglaries in the south of the county. In recent weeks, several homes have been broken into in an attempt to steal car keys and vehicles from properties.

We would always encourage people to be vigilant with their vehicle security and take on board the below crime prevention measures in a bid to deter thieves:

• •keeping your keys/fobs and valuables out of sight
• •locking your car away safely in the garage, if you have one
• •fitting a high quality alarm to your vehicle
• •using additional security systems such as immobilisers and visible security locks
• •if you have gates on your property, keep them locked where possible
• •always taking keys with you when leaving the vehicle unattended
• •making sure doors, windows, the boot and sunroof are secure whenever you leave your vehicle
• •if you own more than one vehicle, parking the lesser valued vehicle behind  the more expensive one on the driveway, making it more difficult to remove

Chief Superintendent Ben Smith said: “We have had a number of car key burglaries, and what we believe to be attempted car key burglaries, in the south Warwickshire area recently. “We strive to do all we can to protect those in the community from harm and as part of this, officers routinely patrol the areas and will continue to do so. “Perpetrators of this type of crime often target specific vehicles, based on demand and value. “If a criminal is targeting a certain vehicle they will also be targeting the owner, looking for easy ways to exploit their security and get to their keys. “The most common methods used by thieves are to follow victims home or drive around residential areas looking for opportunities. “If you think you are being followed or see any suspicious vehicles, take down the registration number and report it to police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. “We would also like to remind people not to leave valuables on show in their vehicles as this can allow opportunistic thieves to strike. “Equally, in cold weather do not leave your engine running while you wait inside for the windscreen to defrost. “Car key burglary is an issue that we do not take lightly and where someone has been a victim, we will thoroughly investigate the circumstances around this.”

Home security advice

Warwickshire Police is issuing home security advice to residents with darker evenings drawing in. Top of the list for crime prevention tips that will protect your home is to ensure your home does not look as if no one is at home as the darker evenings draw in. Det Insp Ruby Nailor said: “In order to protect your property as we approach darker nights, please take extra care to secure your valuables and property. At this time of year when the nights draw in, we may see an increase in house burglaries, as well as thefts from cars. “Our officers do regular patrols, but I would also advise people – especially at this time of year – to please think about their home and vehicle safety. “Carrying out a few simple home security steps can help to reduce the chances of being burgled.”

Please see the following advice:

• A well-lit home gives the impression someone is in – use timer switches to turn lights on when you are out.
• Save energy and money with low-energy light bulbs.
• Lock windows and doors and keep gates and side entrances well secured.
• Keep cars locked and remove any valuable items from display.
• If you can, park your car somewhere that is well lit rather than a secluded street.
• If you have a burglar alarm, make sure you set it when you go out and before you go to bed.
• Don’t leave car keys or valuables near windows, doors or letterboxes, where burglars can reach through to steal them.
• Lock your garden gates and side entrances. Don’t leave tools lying around in the garden that could be used to break in to your home.
• Invest in external lighting.
• For more crime prevention advice visit our crime and safety pages: www.warwickshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

Warwickshire Police takes part in National Road Safety Week of activity

Warwickshire Police is taking part in national Road Safety Week between 18 – 24 Nov 2019. The week is an opportunity to highlight road safety and thousands of schools, communities and organisations take part across the country. The theme for Road Safety Week 2019 is ‘Step up for Safe Streets’ and the week long campaign aims to encourage everyone to step up and play a part in making our roads safer. In 2018, 35 people were killed and 325 people were seriously injured on Warwickshire’s Roads. Reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads has been set as a priority for Warwickshire Police and we will be working with partners across Warwickshire to help achieve this.

Inspector Jem Mountford said “The week provides an opportunity for officers and staff to step up to highlight their vital role in helping keep people safe on the county’s roads and conduct enforcement activity. We will also be using social media to raise awareness of the Road Safety Week and putting out messages to encourage communities to stay safe on Warwickshire’s roads.” If you would like to follow road safety week, we will be using the hash tags #RoadSafetyWeek and #StepUp. You can also follow the relevant Twitter accounts: @opuwarks @warkspolice @brakecharity . For more information click here http://www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/