Tidworth motorists urged to think about vehicle security after suspicious behaviour
Wiltshire Police have issued some advice to residents.
People living in Tidworth are being encouraged to be mindful of vehicle security after reports of a man acting suspiciously near cars.
The message has come from Wiltshire Police after they received a number of calls from Colling Lane and Dowse Close in the early hours of Friday (23rd) morning about a man trying car door handles.
On one occasion, a pair of binoculars were stolen from a vehicle at around 2:45am.
Sgt Russell Griffin said:
"Thefts from vehicles are often committed by opportunistic thieves who will try their luck to see if anyone has left their vehicle unlocked, before taking whatever they find inside.
I'd like to urge residents to be mindful of this - ensure your vehicles are always locked, windows are shut and your keys are secure within your home. Any valuables left within your car and in sight will be seen as an invite by opportunistic thieves so please don't give them an easy ride.
Enquiries into reports received during the early hours of this morning are currently ongoing."
TOP TIPS
The force have now issued some advice to help prevent incidents like this happening,
They say you should:
1. Keep your vehicle locked, windows shut and your keys secure
2. Park in a well-lit area and in clear view of your property and any CCTV cameras.
3. Do not leave any valuables such as wallets, phones, Sat Navs etc. on display.
4. Try to park vans close to a building or hedge to restrict access.
5. If possible, remove all tools from the van when it is left overnight.
6. Take photographs of items of value and make a note of serial numbers.
7. Consider fitting an alarm that is Secured by Design accredited.
8. Mark the items of property/tools that are stored in the vehicle using an artificial DNA property marker such as Smartwater or SelectaDNA.
9. Call 999 immediately if you see a crime in progress or any suspicious activity around trade vans. Note the registration numbers of vehicles and descriptions of those involved.
For more information, visit the Wiltshire Police website.