Clapham, Bedford Community Website

The Police have advised that there has recently been an increase in reports of theft from vehicles across the county. While they are working hard to clamp down on this and tackle those responsible, residents are reminded of the following tips to help minimise your chances of becoming a victim of car crime:

• Always remember to LOCK your vehicle, so many thefts occur from unlocked motors and close the windows and sunroof. 
• Never leave tools in your van overnight, there are devices available on the internet which unlock certain makes of vans. It is also worth having a sign in your vehicle that states no tools are left in it overnight.
• Don’t leave things on show in your car, whether it’s an expensive laptop or just some loose change or a packet of cigarettes, as these can be an incentive to the opportunist thief. Even items of clothing can attract thieves, as they may think that there will be money in the pockets.
• Remember to remove your stereo fascia – this is the best way to make your stereo unattractive to thieves.
• Satnavs are currently being targeted – keep them out of sight, remove the cradle and wipe away the sucker mark on the windscreen.
• Don’t leave valuables in the glove-box of your car. To prove to would-be thieves that it’s empty, you can empty your glove-box and leave it open when you leave your vehicle.
• It’s better to store items in the boot at your point of departure, not the point of arrival – you don’t know who may be watching.
• Property marking cannot prevent your goods from being stolen but it is a very good deterrent as it is difficult to sell on stolen property that has been marked.  It also allows the police to return recovered stolen goods to their rightful owner.  Mark your property with your house/flat number and postcode
• Alloy wheels are always attractive to a thief because of their high value.  You can secure your wheels by using locking wheel nuts. 
• Park your vehicle in a well-lit spot that is visible to other members of the public, or covered by CCTV.