Police have stepped up patrols to track down thieves who are breaking the coronavirus lockdown to go out at night to steal from cars, officers have warned.
Earlier this month, Leicestershire Police reported that vehicle crime across the city and county has fallen as a result of the stay at home regulations, as have burglaries and robberies.
However, some stations across the city and county are reporting clusters of thefts from vehicles.
In some cases victims have left their vehicles unlocked but in others, where valuables such as phones or cash are openly on display, offenders have smashed windows.
Insp Kam Mistry, commander of East Leicester police, said: “We’ve seen an increase in thefts from vehicles, in our case it tends to be the Belgrave and Spinney Hills areas, although it is happening across the force area.
“We’re looking at maybe 20 in a week, or three incidents overnight each day.
“It’s later at night or in the early hours and it’s the age old story – it’s often just small amounts of money or other valuables left on display.
“In some cases people have left their vehicles insecure, in others the vehicles are locked.
“The people who are committing these thefts aren’t fussy – they will smash a window if they think there’s something inside of any value.”
Police crime prevention advice to motorists includes:
- Do not leave items such as handbags, jackets, laptop computers, mobile phones or cash on view
- If you cannot take valuables with you, lock them out of view in the boot
- Always remove your car stereo if you can
- Make sure doors are locked, windows are closed and keys are removed from the ignition when you leave the car even if it is only for a moment
- Remove satellite navigation devices where possible, including the support cradle and cables. Wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen or dashboard
- Install an immobiliser or invest in a steering lock
- Try to avoid parking in places that are unlit and are hidden from public view
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Despite the fall in overall recorded crime, Chief Constable Simon Cole urged people to continue to observe basic crime prevention measures. to protect themselves, their homes and their property.
Speaking to LeicestershireLive earlier this month, Mr Cole said: “While we have seen crime crime change and reduce, if you are going out on an essential journey, then please lock your windows and doors.
“If you are making an essential shopping trip, then please hide any valuables in your vehicle out of sight.”
