Theft from a Vehicle

Vehicle crime affects many of us and can bring misery and despair. It certainly causes great inconvenience. Theft of and from vehicles accounts for around 20 per cent of all recorded crime.

According to the 2004 ‘Safer Hart’ Crime Audit, 12% of all crime in Hart was vehicle crime, however this was a reduction of 6.5% since the last audit 3 years ago.

Levels of theft from vehicles in Hart can be attributed to Fleet Services, which has received national coverage. However, due to targeted police work the situation at Fleet services has improved markedly. A Police Community Safety Officer has been assigned to work solely at Fleet Services.

Remember: Take it with you

Vehicle crime accounted for 12% of Hart’s crime for 2003/04, which is a reduction of 6.5% since the last audit. There were 181 incidents of theft of a motor vehicle and 425 incidents of theft from a motor vehicle. The graph below, shows the location of the theft from, and of, a motor vehicle. Fleet Services does have a considerable impact upon the levels of vehicle crime within the district (see more later in this chapter).

Top Tips for preventing theft from cars…

• Never leave anything on display when you park your car, even an old coat or plastic bag can tempt a thief.
• When parking your car outside, always try and park in an attended or CCTV monitored car park.
• Car alarms do not only prevent thieves from stealing your car but taking items from it. They need to be fitted by a professional.
• Locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.
• Mark all your car equipment, such as your stereo, with your vehicle registration.
• Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
• DVLA 0870 240 0009
• Home Office www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk
• Police 0845 045 45 45
• ‘Safer Hart’ Community Safety Partnership 01252 774476