Patrols aroundL&D stepped up

On Thursday (December 8) police were out in force in the area to warn motorists about the dangers of leaving valuable items on display in their vehicles.

The patrols followed an incident the previous day in which a woman’s handbag was taken when a thief smashed the passenger window while she was in the car.

Beds Police is also using covert methods to make criminals think twice about breaking into vehicles, including ‘trap’ cars.

As part of Thursday’s initiative, officers also ran a session at Lewsey pool where members of the public could have tamper-proof screws fitted to their number plates to prevent them being stolen.

But the force is asking motorists to help prevent crime by not leaving easy pickings for thieves, with 2,788 thefts from vehicles in Bedfordshire over the past year.

It also advises parking in well-lit areas and locking your vehicle, even if only leaving it for a few minutes.

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Richer said: “Our aim is to fight crime and protect the public and we hope motorists are listening to our advice and fewer people are leaving items in their cars.

“If there’s nothing left for thieves to take, then it’s possible that this type of crime could eventually be eradicated.”

L&D security manager Alan Patmore said: “It is very important that the hospital is a safe and secure place for patients, visitors and staff and we welcome the initiative by Bedfordshire Police to tackle car crime.

“The L&D has CCTV cameras and a security team who patrol the hospital and grounds 24/7 and we work closely with the police community support team based at the hospital who offer support and advice to the public about crime and personal safety.”

If you know someone who is committing car crime, call Bedfordshire Police on the non-emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.