Help reduce vehicle crime in east Conwy

Vehicle crime in east Conwy is on the downturn and officers in the area are calling on both motorists and residents in the area to help keep it that way.

Latest figures released by the force reveal that there are 24 fewer victims of the crime compared to last year –showing an overall reduction of 17.5%

Now officers in the Abergele and Colwyn Bay areas are about to embark on a series of initiatives in a bid to further clamp down on both thefts from and thefts of motor vehicles in areas where the crime has been identified as being more frequent.

Sergeant Tim Evans said: “Compared to last year, vehicle crime is down and we are determined to keep it that way. However, over the past few weeks we have had a few incidents of vehicle crime which we are actively addressing in a bid to further drive down the incidents. We are also calling on local residents, particularly motorists to help us in our bid.”

Pamphlets entitled ‘Got a Minute… Someone has! Vehicle crime, help prevent it’ have been produced in partnership with the local community safety department. They highlight some simple steps motorists can take to help them avoid becoming victim of vehicle crime.

As part of the same initiative, police are also issuing the following advice to motorists:

• Lock car doors, close the windows and sun roof when you leave the car – for any length of time,
• Do not to leave anything on display – even a jacket or loose change can seem like an appealing target for a thief,
• Remove the stereo if you can,
• Remove satellite navigation devices where possible, including the support cradle and suction pad. Remember to wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen or dashboard.
• Tuck in wing mirrors and put the aerial down to discourage vandals,
• Do not store your vehicle documents in the car,
• Install a car alarm, vehicle immobiliser or steering lock, particularly in older vehicles.
• Keep your car keys out of sight, even in your house, so that someone breaking in cannot steal your car too.
• Report any suspicious behaviour / information to North Wales Police on 101 (if in Wales) or 0845 6071001 (Welsh language line) 0845 6071002 (English language line) or anonymously via Crimetoppers on 0800 555 111.

In a non-profit making scheme, police are selling dual purpose, remote car alarms at Colwyn Bay Police Station. The alarms are excellent value for money, they are available to anyone at the cost price of £18 and can be used for vehicles or in the home, garage or shed.

More information on the alarms or to purchase an alarm individuals can call into Colwyn Bay Police Station, Rhiw Road, Colwyn Bay or phone on 01492 805306