Christmas crackdown on car thieves

The increased police activity will continue in the run up to New Year, with high visibility patrols in known hotspots, covert ANPR operations, trap car deployment and crime reduction initiatives such as ‘Your Number’s Up’.

With the trap car deployment, offenders will not know whether a car is a trap set by the police or a genuine opportunity to steal.

Assistant chief constable Andrew Richer said: “Thieves should be rightly worried that our actions are here to disrupt, deter and catch them. Leaving them wondering if the next car they break into is a trap or not is meant to unnerve them. I urge the public to do their bit too and ensure cars are left empty of possessions.”

Motorists are advised to lock their cars and not make it too easy for thieves - it can take minutes for a thief to steal your car if left unlocked or even less time to take property from inside.

Even if you are popping out for just a short while, lock your car, and physically check your car is locked when using remote central locking.

Thieves like to work in dark areas out of view from the main roads where they will not be disturbed, so park in well-lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic.

Keep valuables out of view and locked away if possible. Thieves will smash your car window if they see a sat nav cradle or a coat in your vehicle and will try their luck even if there is nothing valuable in the vehicle.

If you know someone is committing car crime call Bedfordshire Police on the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.