TALKING BOXES INSTALLED IN GLOUCESTER CAR PARKS
27th April 2005
Innovative ‘talking boxes’ have been installed in various NCP car parks around Gloucester, in a bid to crack down on car crime.
The boxes have been installed near to the entrances of three car parks, and automatically play pre-recorded messages as drivers take their parking ticket to enter the car parks.
The messages warn drivers of the dangers of leaving valuables on display in their vehicles and how best to make sure they do not become a victim of car crime.
So far they have been installed in car parks at Hare Lane South, Hampden Way and Station Road thanks to funding from Gloucester’s Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
“We have seen a drastic reduction in car crime in Gloucester over the last 12 months, but there is still more than can be done to ensure the number of victims continues to drop,” said Pc Kevin Ireland, Crime Reduction Officer for the Forest and Gloucester division.
“Research has quite clearly shown that in the past vehicles have been targeted by opportunist thieves because valuables had been left on display inside.”
“Hopefully these boxes will remind people to bear in mind that these kind of criminals are at work and not to leave anything on display in their vehicle that might provide a thief with an easy target.”
The boxes have already proved their worth, having been used in car parks at beauty spots in the Forest of Dean throughout last summer.
There the crime rate fell by a massive 59 per cent compared to the previous year.
During the 2004/5 financial year theft of and theft from motor vehicles dropped throughout the county by 1648 offences compared to the previous year. During the year the force also met the targets set by the Police Authority in terms of reducing and detecting car crime.
“This is a very simple but effective way of reminding people of basic crime reduction advice, and we hope the public will continue to work with us to crack car crime by taking note of the messages,” added Pc Ireland.
“Criminals who might be thinking of committing this sort of crime should know that it will not be tolerated and that we are actively working with the community to track down those who are responsible.
“We want everyone to have an enjoyable time in Gloucester, whether they come for work, to shop or just visit the area and not one that is marred by becoming a victim of vehicle crime.”
Pat Dabbs, Coordinator of the CDRP in Gloucester added: “This is another excellent, innovative project, working together to reduce car crime in the city and we are grateful to NCP car parks for their assistance.
“Car crime has reduced over the last year and we want to continue the trend. It still remains an important message to car owners – don’t leave valuables on display in your vehicle – it is a simple step but essential to remove the temptation for opportunist thieves.”