Keeping Your Vehicle Safe

Vehicle crime can affect anyone. Dyfed Powys Police are reminding residents of the simple steps they can take to keep their vehicle safe.

Car crime causes huge inconvenience and cost to motorists, it pushes up the insurance premiums and takes up hours of police time.

A thief can break into a vehicle in a minute and can either remove property within the vehicle or steal the vehicle itself.

Pembroke Dock has recently had a spate of thefts where people have left their vehicles unlocked.

Sergeant Leslie Buckle said: “Many of these crimes can easily be prevented if motorists were just a little more vigilant. Having property and valuables on display will provide a temptation to a thief. An unlocked door or an open window is an invitation to a thief, many of us do this when paying for petrol, getting a car parking ticket or popping into a shop.”

In an effort to try and combat theft from parked vehicles, the following points may assist in preventing you from becoming a victim:-

• Park in safe areas. Always lock the doors and the boot and close all windows
• Never leave anything on display in the car
• If possible, remove the stereo or its fascia
• Fold in wing mirrors and put down your vehicle’s aerial
• Use secure, well supervised car parks that have an attendant, good lighting and security cameras. If leaving your vehicle overnight, park in a well lit area
• Have the vehicle registration number etched onto all glass windows
• Consider installing immobiliser or an alarm or use a steering lock
• If you have expensive wheels, consider attaching a lockable wheel nut to each wheel
• When the vehicle is parked, always remove the key from the ignition and lock the door, even when paying for petrol

For further information on preventing car crime contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.