Do You Know Where Your car Keys Are?

Posted on May 10, 2012

Bedfordshire Police are reminding residents to take extra measures to ensure that they don't become the victims of car crime.

In recent week there has been a slight increase in burglaries across the county where thieves are looking for car keys to steal the homeowner's vehicle. 

For most people, a car is the most expensive possession that they own and for this reason it is important to take steps to combat car theft and reduce the chances of being a victim of crime.

Newer cars generally have a security system in place which makes it almost impossible for the vehicle to be stolen without the keys. For that reason, thieves are committing burglaries specifically to steal car keys and any other valuables that are nearby.

To help reduce the risk of car theft, Bedfordshire Police is urging motorists not to leave their car keys or valuables anywhere where they can be easily seen from outside or within range to be 'fished' through the letterbox.

Number plates are also a target for criminals who then attach them to their own vehicles to commit offences like the theft of fuel from filling stations that are covered by CCTV. Bedfordshire Police regularly hosts 'Your Number's Up' events where tamper-proof screws can be installed to vehicles free of charge thereby reducing the threat of theft.

Residents are also being urged to register with the UK National Property Register at www.immobilise.com where they can log any items such as mobile phones, computers, bicycles, appliances and jewellery. Immobilise will record serial numbers and also allows the user to upload pictures and a brief description of the item.

The Immobilise database is linked directly to a number of police systems across the UK which makes it easier for officers to trace the owners of any recovered items as well as identifying items that have been found on suspected criminals.

Another measure that residents can consider is security marking their property with Ultra-Violet (UV) pens or chemical DNA marking solutions which can also be used on jewellery.

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Reduction co-ordinators continue to actively target the problem at the moment but anything that can be done to prevent the problem in the first place is invaluable.

Other measures that residents can take to reduce the threat of burglary include:

• If you have a garage, use it
• Ensure security lights are working and your car is locked and alarmed
• Ensure all doors and windows are locked
• If you see someone acting suspiciously, telephone the police
• Join a Neighbourhood Watch or Street Watch scheme

If you have information relating to any burglaries or vehicle crime, please contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, 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