Welwyn Hatfield Police Warning Over Thefts

11 August 2014, 12:23 | Updated: 11 August 2014, 12:28

Welwyn Hatfield Police are reminding residents to ensure they keep their property secure following a number of thefts in the area recently.

Officers are also asking people to be vigilant and contact them with information or if they witness suspicious activity.
 
In the last fortnight (since 25 July) there have been 18 thefts from vehicles in Welwyn Garden City alone. Item including sat navs, jewellery, cash and bank cards have been stolen. Some of the vehicles had been left unlocked. The offences have mainly taken place during the night.
 
There have also been 17 thefts from sheds, garages and other outbuildings. Whilst on most occasions items were not stolen, in some cases bicycles, motorbikes, a quad bike and gardening equipment were stolen.
 
On Friday (8 July) two boys aged 15, and two girls aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of interfering with a motor vehicle. They have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
 
Chief Inspector for Welwyn Hatfield, Adam Willmot said:

"This number of crimes is of concern which is why my teams are doing all they can to prevent it, such as increasing our patrols in the areas affected, conducting thorough investigations to help us identify suspects and by asking for the public to help us by reporting suspicious activity.
 
I'd also ask people to make sure that, where possible, belongings of value are removed from vehicles overnight. It is also vitally important to lock your vehicle when you leave it and, especially in hot weather, make sure the windows have been shut. If you can, please remove items of value from garages and outbuildings, or invest in some good quality locking systems.
 
If you do see some acting suspiciously around a vehicle or garage, it is vitally important you call police so we can attend. Dial 999 immediately if you believe a crime is in progress."
 
For more detailed security advice, please click HERE or contact police on 101.