Thieves strip cars for body parts

The theft of car parts was a significant issue in Luton and Bedfordshire in early 2014 and a police investigation was undertaken that led to the recovery of numerous stolen vehicle parts and a number of arrests.

A police spokesman said reporting levels do not indicate that high numbers of this crime type are occurring in the area at present but there have been three incidents in the past week.

Between January 14-16 parts were stolen from a Vauxhall Corsa in Sacombe Green, Bramingham, Luton.

Another theft occurred overnight January 13-14 in Meadway, Goldington, where thieves removed parts of the vehicle trim from the front and rear bumpers of a Blue Vauxhall Zafira. The other occurred overnight January 15-16 in Forge Close, Charlton, Luton, where a grey Vauxhall Corsa was targeted and the front bumper, front lights and number plate were stolen.

Beds police are advising Vauxhall Corsa and Zafira owners and those with other high performance vehicles such as Astras and Insignia VXRs to park their cars in well-lit areas and ensure their car alarm is always switched on whenever it is parked, even on a drive or outside the owner’s house.

Drivers could also use commercially available kits to property mark key parts of their vehicle to help identify them if stolen.

If anyone has any information about this crime or any outlets where suspected stolen parts are being traded they should call Bedfordshire Police, in confidence on 101 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.