'Empty Your Cars Before Someone Else Does' this Christmas

It is the last week before Christmas day and Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a seasonal campaign urging Christmas shoppers to 'empty your cars before someone else does' by being on guard for opportunist thieves preying on vehicles.

 

'Empty your car before someone else does' is the message of the campaign which reminds shoppers that any Christmas presents left on show in their vehicles can be a target for criminals this week. 

 

Bob Bunney, Force Crime Reduction Advisor, said: "Theft from vehicles in Devon and Cornwall remains low but the opportunity for this type of crime traditionally rises during Christmas time. Shoppers should be aware and keep purchases with them rather than leave them on display in vehicles. This will reduce the opportunity for crime." 

 

Police are asking shoppers to follow simple precautions when out and about during the festive season:

• Lock your vehicles and close windows.

• Park in a well-lit and recognised car park.

• Leave nothing on display in your vehicle.

• Plan shopping so that bulky items are collected at the end of the day rather than being stored in your vehicle.

• When you get home make a note of any serial numbers of valuable items on the guarantee slip.

• Register valuables using the free service at Immobilise which enables police to identify the owner of the items if they are stolen.

 

"By taking simple precautions people can help police to reduce crime while preventing the heartache of losing valuable or sentimental gifts over the Christmas period," added Mr Bunney.