THIEVES WARNED TO THINK AGAIN AS POLICE SET TRAP CARS ON GLOUCESTER STREETS
15 October 2007
Think again if you’re planning on breaking into a car in Gloucester. That’s the warning from police following the successful launch of a new trap car initiative.
As part of the latest crackdown on such offences, police are parking vehicles containing tempting items for thieves around the City. As well as valuables, however, they contain CCTV so anyone breaking in will be caught on camera .
The trap vehicles are closely monitored by police so if a break-in occurs, officers can quickly be deployed to make an arrest.
Alan Knott is the first car-breaker in Gloucester to have paid the price for targeting a trap car since they were launched here in the last few weeks.
The 28-year-old from Matson smashed his way into a Peugeot 106 parked in Denmark Road, Gloucester at 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 10 having been tempted by a sat-nav on the dashboard. His every move was caught on a hidden camera though and he was subsequently charged with theft from a motor vehicle. He appeared before Cheltenham magistrates on Friday and was sentenced to eight months imprisonment for this and a further theft offence and because he was on licence following a previous prison sentence.
Warning others not to be foolish enough to take the risk, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Porter said: "If you’re thinking of breaking into a car in Gloucester, think twice. We now have a number of different vehicles deployed 24 hours a day on the streets, in car parks and on drive-ways.
"These vehicles can be old or new, cars or vans and all are fitted with hidden CCTV and equipment to ensure all potential thieves are caught and robustly dealt with."
Adding that people involved in handling stolen goods should also think again, he continued: "Property in the trap vehicles is also likely to be treated with Smartwater which uniquely identifies it and leaves any person handling it liable to arrest."
The car broken into on Wednesday night was funded by the Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
Police are asking for help from members of the public to reduce this type of offending.
Crime Reduction Officer PC Kevin Ireland said: "We are working hard to keep crime, including vehicle break-ins, to a minimum in Gloucester.
"Conducting patrols and making arrests is not sufficient to stamp out such offences though and we need the help of members of the public.
"Too many people persist in leaving expensive devices like sat-navs in their vehicles, or they remove the device itself but leave the charger or cradle which is a clear sign they own such kit.
"This is an invitation to a thief who will need only moments to smash your window and make off with your hard-earned property. Most people would think it extraordinary to leave several hundred pounds cash on view in a van or car so please, please don't do this with other valuables."
Checklist for when you leave your vehicle:
Remove all valuables - sat-navs, mobiles, laptops, wallets etc.
Remove any tell-tale items suggesting valuables may be in the vehicle, eg sat-nav chargers and cradles.
Ensure any suction marks on the windscreen, suggesting a sat-nav is used in the vehicle, are wiped away.
If you're driving a commercial vehicle, try to ensure it's not left unattended while valuable tools are on board.
Park on well-lit streets with plenty of passers-by.
Free stickers stating 'No Tools Left in This Vehicle' are available from Central Gloucester Police Station in Longsmith Street. Please ask for one at reception.
Anyone with information about car break-in incidents is urged to call Gloucestershire Constabulary as soon as possible on 0845 090 1234. Or you can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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