This in from the Police, in their own words. Ed
Police are reminding motorists on the Isle of Wight about the importance of protecting their vehicles from opportunist thieves.
A man received a prison sentence at the Isle of Wight Crown Court last Friday (June 24, 2011) after an investigation by the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team into a series of thefts from motor vehicles in the town this year.
Increase in car crime in March
Sergeant Mike Sizer of the Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “There was a noticeable increase in vehicle crime in Cowes in March. It became a policing priority for local officers who responded swiftly to information from the public and arrest a suspect who has now been jailed by the courts. I hope this sentence can serve as a deterrent to others that if you commit car crime in Cowes, we will catch you.
“Police were able to recover a significant amount of property linked to thefts from cars parked in Cowes, and I would like to thank everyone who assisted us with our enquiries. Reports of vehicle crime in Cowes are down by 24 per cent compared with the same time last year (April – June 2010): (Source: www.hampshire.police.uk)
Don’t be complacent
Isle of Wight Safer Neighbourhoods Inspector Terry Clawson said: “It’s important motorists are not complacent about the security of their vehicle. I would like to remind people to keep their doors and vehicles locked. Although crime on the island remains relatively low, there have been a number of offences in Cowes where opportunist thieves have entered vehicles, which have been left unlocked.
“Do not rely on your remote central locking – always check the door handle to make sure your vehicle is secure before you leave it. The warm weather is also an opportunity for a thief to enter through an open window or unlocked back door. We have fewer victims of crime so far this year but one victim is one too many. Please report anything suspicious and ensure that your property is secure.”
Get in touch
If you have information about car crime in the Cowes area, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods team by calling 101 or sending an e-mail to [email protected]
Mini-com users can call 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
For more crime prevention advice to protect your vehicle, please go online
