Police target car key burglars in three night operation – Southport Visiter
Police target car key burglars in three night operation
Officers deployed after several cars stolen from outside homes across Sefton
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- Nineteen:23, twenty six APR 2017
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Burglars who break into people’s homes before stealing their cars are being targeted by Merseyside Police officers – embarking tonight.
Beginning tonight (Wednesday, April 26) and running over three evenings, officers will patrol in marked and unmarked cars in areas where there have been incidents of cars being stolen from driveways after keys were taken from inwards properties in the past week in areas inbetween Southport and Litherland.
Patrols from Local Policing, Roads Policing, Matrix, the Dog Section and Lancashire Police will all be deployed during the three-night operation.
Police are also working with local councillors and Homewatch schemes to suggest crime prevention advice in the affected areas.
Local Policing Inspector Ian Jones said: “Over the next three nights we will have a very visible presence in the areas of Maghull, Aintree, Crosby, Litherland and Birkdale.
“This is in response to a number of latest incidents of cars being taken from drives after offenders have stolen the keys.
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“We are determined to stop such incidents from happening and to bring those responsible to justice, and will deploy significant resources this week to tackle it.
“I would also urge local residents to ensure their houses are as secure as possible and check their front doors, windows and garage doors to prevent becoming effortless targets. Once you get into the habit of doing a quick check it doesn’t take much time at all and can save you a lot of distress in the long run.
“If you have a garage use it, or if you park on a driveway ensure you close your gates at night and consider putting an obstruction such as your wheelie bin in front of your vehicle.
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“Always put your car keys out of view and never leave them in the back of your door. If possible use a steering wheel lock on your vehicle, which are unappealing to thieves looking to make a swift getaway.
“These people are looking for the easiest and least confrontational way to steal a vehicle, so anything you can do to make it stiffer for them means you are less likely to fall victim.
“We all need to be vigilant. While we will be out patrolling, we would also ask anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously to report it to the police. These offenders will need to walk up driveways to look through doors and windows to see if there are keys in glance of a door or window. If you notice any such behaviour contact the police on one hundred one or in an emergency dial 999.”
Anyone who has information in relation to these thefts is asked to contact Merseyside Police on one hundred one or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on eight hundred 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.