Be More Security Conscious

2 April 2010, 07:50 | Updated: 2 April 2010, 07:53

Residents and motorists in Braintree are being urged to continually think security following a series of preventable thefts in the town.

The warning comes after a number of thefts from vehicles during the overnight period Tuesday, March 30 – Wednesday, March 31. In more than half of the cases, the items were either left on show in the vehicles or were stolen when thieves simply opened unlocked car doors.

On Clare Road, a sat nav was stolen from an insecure car; with another stolen from an insecure vehicle from the Ley Wood area. A car in the same area at the same time was also targeted by thieves, but they then chose not to steal anything from it. However, the owner of a car in the same area was not so lucky as he had his music player and sat nav stolen from his unlocked vehicle.

District Commander, Chief Inspector Nick Lee, said: “Braintree is a very low crime area, but people must still help themselves by ensuring they don’t become needless victims of crime rather than allowing thieves to help themselves to their property. We are in despair at the relaxed attitude shown by many residents in and around the town. In one instance, I attended a theft and found the owner regularly keeps his car and front doors unlocked overnight. Opportunist thieves and career criminals don’t need any invitation to offend; they will seize upon any lapse in security no matter if it’s intentional or pure forgetfulness. We are urging people to keep their cars locked, items out of sight and doors and windows closed and secured.”

Anyone with information in connection with these thefts is urged to contact officers at Braintree police station on 0300 333 4444.