Abergavenny Officers are beginning a campaign to tackle car crime in Abergavenny.
CSO Jo Powell checking on cars in Abergavenny
The campaign which will last throughout the Christmas period aims to educate residents about the risks of leaving valuables on display in cars and leaving cars unlocked.
Officers are particularly concerned about people leaving their Christmas shopping on display in their cars whilst they continue shopping in town or leaving expensive presents in their cars overnight.
During September and October 24 cars were broken into in Abergavenny and over 30% were as a result of cars being left unlocked. Officers are patrolling all car parks in Abergavenny Town on a daily basis during November and December and letters will be sent to the owners of any vehicles with valuables on display warning them of the risks.
Detective Inspector Lyn Hawker explained, ‘We’re making sure that officers are checking on vehicles in Abergavenny and speaking to drivers giving them advice on how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime. Every day we’re seeing items such as mobile phones, bags, coats and wallets left on display in cars. The cost of the items are usually fairly expensive but coupled with the cost of replacing a smashed car window, it’s a cost before Christmas people can do without. We’re urging drivers to do all they can to not make it easy for car thieves.’
Officers are offering four steps of advice for a happy, car crime free Christmas;
- Shut all windows of your car
- Lock your car and double check before leaving it
- Take all valuables with you when you leave your car
- If this isn’t possible, hide them in the boot