Police launch new vehicle and tool theft awareness campaign
Thames Valley PCC says “vehicle crime has a significant impact on victims"
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames has launched its new vehicle crime and tool theft awareness campaign about the precautions residents can take to help reduce the risk.
Over the coming months, residents can expect to see clear car posters in a number of hotspot locations, including Park and Rides, shopping centre car parks and hotels.
The force will also host a number events of tool marking for tradespeople to have their tools protectively marked.
This improves the chances of them being returned in the event that they are stolen.
Figures show there have been 3,496 vehicle thefts and 6,666 thefts from vehicles in the Thames Valley in the 12 months to the end of August this year.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber says, “vehicle crime has a significant impact on victims and on feelings of safety in our communities which undermines public confidence”.
Thames Valley Police say it has seen a 12% decrease of vehicle crime, combining ‘theft of’ vehicles and ‘theft from’ vehicles.
PCC Barber said: “This dedicated crime prevention campaign, in support of ongoing policing activity, aims to inform residents about how to keep vehicles and tools safe from criminals.
“Vehicle crime is currently down in the Thames Valley compared to last year. However, I want this trend to continue which is why it remains a priority in my Police and Crime Plan.”
He added: “Of course, crime prevention forms only one part of tacking vehicle crime and over the coming months I will be publishing a Vehicle Crime Strategy detailing a coordinated approach and policing response.”