You too have a part to play. An unlocked vehicle, or one which is parked in a poorly lit area is a cashpoint for the criminal - particularly if items of value are left in full view inside. The valuables which are stolen from your car will be sold on by the thief, often to feed a drugs habit or to further their criminal activities. Don t contribute to crime secure your vehicle. The number of thefts from vehicles in the Thames Valley far exceeds the number of vehicles which are stolen.
Most criminals are opportunists - they take what they see when they see it.
If they spot a laptop, mobile phone or handbag in an unattended vehicle, they will smash the window and grab it. If the vehicle looks empty, the chances are they will leave it alone. Many are left lying on passenger seats, in the back or even on the dashboard by the owner, easy pickings for the opportunist thief. Don t make life easy for the criminal. Either take your valuables with you when you get out of the vehicle, or invest in one of the many models of vehicle safe which are now on the market.