Empty your car before someone else does

Devon and Cornwall Police are urging the public to be aware of opportunist thieves looking for valuables left in vehicles.

This summer, Police are recommending that people take care by keeping car windows closed and doors locked, and by keeping valuables out of sight.

Police are asking people out for the day and enjoying the hot summer weather to follow simple precautions when out and about:

• Lock your vehicles and close windows.
• Park your vehicle in a safe and well lit area. Use secure car parks.
• Leave nothing on display in your vehicle. Remove items such as sat nav and cradle, tools, mobiles, and money.
• Plan shopping so that bulky items are collected at the end of the day rather than being stored in your vehicle.
• Property mark your possessions and register your valuables using the free service at www.immobilise.com. This enables police to identify the owner of the items if they are stolen.

Bob Bunney, Devon and Cornwall Police Crime Reduction Lead said: “Theft from vehicles in Devon and Cornwall remains low but the opportunity for this type of crime traditionally rises whilst people are out and about enjoying the summer weather.

“Shoppers should also be aware and keep purchases with them rather than leave them on display in vehicles. This will reduce the opportunity for crime.

“By taking simple precautions people can help police to reduce crime while preventing the heartache of losing valuables over the summer season.”

Police across Devon and Cornwall are proactively promoting advice counties by distributing posters and leaflets on how to take care over the summer.

If you need to report a theft from a vehicle, contact the police on 101 or email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk . In the event of an emergency dial 999.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.