Police warn residents to be vigilant after rise in car break ins across Worksop

The most recent thefts took placeon St. Anne’s Estate on May 5, when three cars were broken into.

On April 25, five work vans were broken into overnight in Carlton-in-Lindrick, with offenders making off with hundreds of pounds worth of tools.

Police said that some of these vehicles were left insecure, which made them an “easy target” for thieves operating in the area.

Inspector Neil Bellamy, district commander for Bassetlaw, said: “We have seen a very small increase in vehicle crime compared to last year.

“However, this is an area we are focusing on.

“Increased patrols and officer briefings having resulted in a decrease in vehicle crime of 27.3 per cent compared to last month.

“Worksop remains a safe, low crime town. However, as well as the extra work our officers are doing, there are also steps vehicles owners can take to assist with crime prevention.

Insp Bellamy urged residents to make sure their vehicles were securely locked at night and this could “drastically reduce” their chances of being targeted.

He went on: “The nature of many of these vehicle crime offences are opportunistic.

“Thieves are looking for easy targets such as vehicles left unlocked and vehicles with high-value items left on display.

“Taking simple steps such as ensuring your vehicle is locked can drastically reduce the chances of your vehicle being targeted.

“We would also ask people to look inside their own cars after parking.

“Can you see anything left on display? A sat nav? Tools? What would an opportunistic thief see? Thieves choose to target vans in the hope there will be expensive tools inside for resale. When a van is left unlocked it is truly open season for a thief.

“We would advise tools are removed overnight and a sign saying as much is considered.”