Worksop: Motorists warned to be more vigilant to stop ‘smash and grab’ thefts

Motorists are being warned to be more vigilant to prevent ‘smash and grab’ thefts, with around three vehicles broken into every day in Bassetlaw.
Police in Doncaster want to raise awareness of vehicle crime after a rise in the number of spare wheels being stolen and the possible use of remote blocking devices to break into cars.Police in Doncaster want to raise awareness of vehicle crime after a rise in the number of spare wheels being stolen and the possible use of remote blocking devices to break into cars.
Police in Doncaster want to raise awareness of vehicle crime after a rise in the number of spare wheels being stolen and the possible use of remote blocking devices to break into cars.

The warning comes ahead of the summer months when people tend to leave their car windows open due to the warm weather.

Vehicle owners are now being encouraged to make sure all valuables are out of sight and no money is left on show.

A spokesman for Bassetlaw Council said: “Opportunity is knocking for some people out there, they will try the car door handles to see if it is unlocked.”

“Of course people lock cars remotely, but not everyone checks to make sure. If it is unlocked and goods are on display, then some people will take the opportunity and help themselves.”

“However if it is locked and the goods are still on display, opportunity is still knocking. Only a thin piece if glass, relatively speaking, stands in their way. Smash and grab, it’s that easy.”

Crime prevention tips include making sure that Sat Navs are put away in the glove box and that the suction rings are also not visible. Make sure that any clothes or sporting equipment whether old or new is put in the boot or covered up. Smartphones and tablets should be taken out of a vehicle and not left on car seats. Briefcases and handbags should also be removed or hidden as should tools and other equipment.

“Remove the opportunity, take your valuables into the house, or lock them in the boot out of sight,” a council spokesman said.

“It takes only a few extra seconds of our time. We are all in this together and by taking personal responsibility, we are removing opportunities for those few that don’t care and see only easy money. They do not see the annoyance, upset and hurt, they cause.”

“The people who target vehicles in this manner are in the minority, so let’s not make it easy for them.”

“Across Bassetlaw an average of three vehicles a day are broken into, some are preventable, some are not. The ones we can prevent, we should. Let’s all play our part.”

“The option is having time wasted dealing with the police, garage and insurance companies.”

A Notts Police spokesman said: “Consider marking items like sat navs and stereos with a forensic etching system or liquid, such as SmartWater.”

Call police on 101 with information about car crime.