The number of thefts from vehicles across Dorset increased by 12.3% from April 2012 to 27 January 2013. This is an increase of 355 offences.
Between 1 and 27 January there have been 13 reported break-ins to cars parked at beauty spot locations across Dorset – including rural car parks in Cerne Abbas, Bridport, Blandford, Wimborne and Wareham.
Businesses that use vans, trucks or lorries should also take steps to reduce the chances of having diesel stolen from them. Ideally, these vehicles should be parked inside buildings or in a secure compound overnight. Also, leave as little fuel as possible in these vehicles when they are left unattended and use lockable fuel caps.
Dorset Police is encouraging motorists to take simple steps to reduce the chances of their vehicles being broken into. Advice includes:
- Valuable items and shopping should not be left in cars, either in view or hidden away
- Windows and doors should always be securely locked when vehicles are left
- Sat navs should not be left in cars and their holders and cables should not be left on display
- Ensure that sat nav holder marks are not left visible on the windscreen
- If a vehicle has an alarm, always use it – even if the vehicle is only going to be left for a short period of time
Chief Inspector Jared Parkin said, “It sounds simple, but the main thing I’d encourage motorists to do is to make sure they leave their vehicles securely locked. We are seeing lots of vehicles being broken into that were not even locked…
“We’ve also seen an increase in the number of vans being broken into in the Christchurch area recently.
“I would encourage tradespeople not to leave expensive tools and materials in their vans, even if they are securely locked.”
