Thieves - Beware Of Trap Cars!

By Natalie Verney, 3rd December 2011, 06:00

Car thieves are being warned against falling into a 'trap' this Christmas - Bedfordshire Police are parking cars in known vehicle crime hotspots.

The force wants criminals to know the covert tactic to make them think twice before breaking into a parked vehicle. Not knowing whether it is a 'trap' or not puts pressure on them and makes them ask 'is it worth the risk?'

In the last 12 months 2788 thefts from motor vehicle offences have been reported across the county and in the run up to Christmas, Bedfordshire Police is stepping up it's fight against car crime.

The cars will be parked in different locations across the county including car parks, residential areas and industrial estates. They will be there 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Richer says ''We do position these vehicles in known car crime hotspots and at locations where we think the public are vulnerable and we're saying ''just don't take the risk of being captured by us, just don't break into a car.''

''The message to car criminals is clear. Beware - the next car you break into could lead to your arrest. Offenders need to know these trap vehicles are out there. We want thieves to be nervous about taking the chance knowing they could get caught. No one wants to spend Christmas locked up.''

In addition the public are being warned against leaving easy pickings for thieves and do all they can to prevent becoming a victim of crime.

Advice to motorists:

• Lock up, don't 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 just for a short while, lock you car.
• Think about parking - Thieves like to work in dark areas out of view from the main roads where they will not be disturbed. A great deal of vehicle crimes can be avoided by parking in well-lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic.
• Have you remotely locked your car? - Always physically doluble check your car is locked when using remote central locking. A thief may spot an unlocked car
• Can a thief see your valuables? - 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 they will try their luck, even if there is nothing valuable in the vehicle. If you can see a valuable so can a thief.

If you know someone is committing a car crime call Bedfordshire Police on the non emergency number 101, or text information to 07786200011. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org