Southampton Police on Facebook (12/01/24): Increase in reports of theft from vehicles recently

We just wanted to remind you of some crime prevention advice following an increase in reports of thefts from vehicles recently, particularly in the north of the city.

In the past three days, we have received reports that vehicles had been broken into on Westridge Road, Asturias Way, Highfield Close, Dunkirk Road, Belvedere Road, Shakespeare Avenue, Andes Close, Sirdar Road, Brading Close, Sandhurst Road, Kent Road, St Monica Road, Laburnum Road, Cunningham Crescent, Brading Close, Ancasta Road, Broadlands Road, Westridge Road, Radstock Road and Woodside Road.

Items including a portable speaker, a phone, a purse and power tools were taken. We have also received two reports of license plates being removed from vehicles on Cheriton Avenue and Prince of Wales Avenue.

These reports have typically taking place overnight and in the early hours of the morning.

We believe that some of these instances will have been opportunistic, while some have possibly been targeted attempts.

We have responded to these reports by implementing targeted patrols across the affected areas and will continue with these as we investigate the reports made to us.

 

In the meantime, we would like to remind you of some steps you can take to protect your vehicle and your property:

. It sounds obvious, but always lock your vehicle – Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured. So get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment. Check that you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open.

· Take it with you or hide it – Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen. And it should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.

· Hide electrical items and leave no clues – Leaving sat nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or cables on view gives it away that you have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can’t see the Sat Nav or iPad, they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight.

· Tool theft from vans – Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it’s a good idea to mark them clearly with your name / company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.

· Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws – The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number.

If you have had your vehicle broken into or your vehicle stolen then please let us know. You can report this via 101 or by visiting our website: https://orlo.uk/tjxCl

If you have any information regarding suspicious activity in any of the roads listed above we would also like to hear from you.

For more advice please visit”: https://orlo.uk/LoRZZ