Police in car thief crackdown

Police officers in the county force's Chase division, which covers Stafford, Stone, Cannock and Rugeley, are gearing up for Operation Habit.

The campaign aims to get people into the habit of locking up their cars and taking steps to deter thieves over the summer.

Due to be launched on Monday, the operation will see officers sending out letters to motorists highlighting simple security advice.

Chase community and partnerships Inspector Ian Haigh said vehicles were a "shop window" to thieves.

He said: "It only takes a few moments to break into a vehicle and steal the property from within. Often the value of the damage caused to vehicles, as well as the resulting inconvenience, exceeds the value of the property stolen.

"People should remember that anything is more than nothing to the thief.

"Vehicle crime reduced within the division during the past 12 months and the detection of offenders increased. However, we will not become complacent and must strive to improve further.

"To do this we need the help of the public and we would ask motorists to ensure that no unnecessary items are left on view in their vehicles." He urged drivers to follow some simple tips, including always keeping vehicles locked, plus closing windows and any sunroof.

Mr Haigh said: "Don't leave anything in your car, particularly when parked overnight.

"Sixty three per cent of vehicle crime happens outside the home.

"Park with care – in a locked garage is best, on the drive is next best – otherwise, in a well-lit open location preferably in view of the owner's home.

"When parked on the road, reduce the risk of vandalism by retracting aerials and wing mirrors. Never leave your keys in the ignition, not even when paying for your fuel.

"Don't leave anything on display. This includes coats on seats, loose change in ashtrays, as well as briefcases, handbags, laptops, satellite navigation systems and mobile phones.

"Always remove sat nav units from your vehicle when parked and remember to remove all traces of the sucker from the windscreen and the mount from the dashboard as these are tell-tale signs to a thief.

"Empty your glove box and leave it open when parked so it is clear to a thief that it is empty. Remove radios or radio fronts if possible. If you have to take property with you in the vehicle, put it in the boot out of view."

Police also encourage people to use a professionally fitted alarm or immobilizer and a steering lock, and to have the registration number etched on to the windscreen and other windows.